(AUDIO) Habs sign Markov to three-year contract; Burns named to Hall of Fame

Canadiens general manager Marc Bergevin announced on Monday afternoon that the defenceman has signed a new three-year contract. Markov could have become an unrestricted free agent on July 1.

The deal is worth $17.25 million with a $5.75-million salary-cap hit each season. It is identical to the three-year contract the 35-year-old Markov just completed.

“We are very happy to have secured a long-term agreement with Andrei,” Bergevin said in a statement. “He is an important part of our group of core players. He is healthy, shows a very good work ethic and has great leadership skills. He plays big minutes against the top opponents, and game-changing defencemen of his calibre are hard to find.”

Said Markov in a statement: “I am very pleased to be a member of the Montreal Canadiens organization for years to come. I played for the Canadiens for the past 14 seasons, Montreal is my home. I am very confident in our group of players and I want to contribute to the success of our team.”

In 81 games this past season, Markov posted 7-36-43 totals and was plus-12, while averaging 25:14 of ice time. In 17 playoff games, he posted 1-9-10 totals and was minus-4.

In other news Monday, former Canadiens coach Pat Burns was among six people selected as the Hockey Hall of Fame’s induction class of 2014. Joining Burns will be Dominik Hasek, Peter Forsberg, Mike Modano, Rob Blake and referee Bill McCreary.

Burns, who coached the Canadiens for four seasons, starting in 1988-89, will be posthumously inducted into the builder category four years after his death from cancer. The three-time Jack Adams Award winner as the NHL’s coach of the year also coached the Toronto Maple Leafs, Boston Bruins and New Jersey, winning the Stanley Cup with the Devils in 2003.

“It’s a great day for me and my family,” Lynn Burns, Pat’s widow, told the Hockey Hall of Fame website. “I’m speechless and tremendously happy. Pat would be proud and this is well-deserved.”

I’m okay with this signing. Need to curtail his minutes over the next three years though. The guy’s getting older, and I think it showed in the playoffs. He’ll be a good mentor for the young’ns.

Cable Guy, 23 June, 2014

Apparently Hartnell asked for a trade.

Steven, 23 June, 2014

Not a terrible deal, but only a smidgen under the 3 yr, 6M deal everyone was griping about only a few days ago.

I think the signing was a good idea, though. We get Markov for basically what we already had him for continuing to occupy the role he did last year. By the end of year 2 or 3, I expect him to be dealt at the deadline or something along those lines. That way, we don’t lose an asset for nothing.

(Of course, if we can keep him for all 3 years and he helps us win a Cup, well…)

J.Ambrose.OBrien, 23 June, 2014

I am so damn pleased! About this contract. And about The Netherlands’ victory.

I thought Marky would hold strong for 6. But this speaks volume about his character and commitment to this team. He’ll be a great mentor to the crop of young defensemen coming up.

Great job, Bergy. Now get PK signed, and get busy finding us a right-winger.

I remember Dec. 31, 1975

CH Marshall, 23 June, 2014

ACtually I’m relieved by this, as it’ll take away pressure and focus from the young rookie Dmen

kalevine, 23 June, 2014

I’m prepared to make lemonade over this. Markov has been a loyal Hab and it’s quite special to see a player finish an entire career on the same team, which is hopefully what will happen. Both sides obviously want that, above and beyond the financial aspect. The key will be to manage his time and see him arrive for the playoffs with something left in the tank. After all, winning a cup with the team you played your whole career with has to be REALLY special

Hobie, 23 June, 2014

Just as everyone expected. Habs probably wanted two years but knew it would take three to get it done…

ElMcFoldo, 23 June, 2014

I think we all wanted 1-2 years but I prefer this result over him walking.

Loonie, 23 June, 2014

The salary cap just went up by nearly $7 million dollars and some people are worried about the Habs overpaying their longest tenured and near best Hab by $750000 and giving him an extra year of contract that they probably shouldn’t have.

The Cap increasing year over year will make the money paid to him an afterthought and the fact that it continues to rise each year at levels that easily exceed the AAV of Markov’s contract will make the doomsday year three scenario irrelevant.

You want him on your team or not?

BriPro, 23 June, 2014

SO JIM!!!
(Habfan 10912).

Have you started to build the extension yet? I just told Lisa
“C’mon pack up! We’re moving to N.Y.!”

Her reply?
“If Terren can move to Tennessee, we can certainly move to New York.”

Here we come…… Well, you offered….

Loop_Garoo, 23 June, 2014

Oh yeah, one more thing. Hup! Holland!

Marc10, 23 June, 2014

Yep. Fair deal.

ElMcFoldo, 23 June, 2014

I still think Gorges or Emelin need to go to free up some cap room and playing time for the young guys. Gorges probably has more value at this point.

Good signing. Bergevin had no choice but to give him the 3 years or let him walk for nothing. A hometown discount as well. He would have gotten 6 or 6.5 on the open market.

Habshire, 23 June, 2014

Limited NTC so maybe a trade in year 3.

As long as he doesn’t retire Habs are good.

Newf_Habster, 23 June, 2014

I am happy that Markov will be with us for three more years.

Does it means MB will have to unload one of our young D men?

Will we sign Mike Weaver as well?

HabinBurlington, 23 June, 2014

Happy Markov remains in the fold. Good move.

Hobie, 23 June, 2014

Yes.

Loonie, 23 June, 2014

Emelin at his best is a top 4 defenseman who can contribute offense and be a difference maker with his checking.

Gorges at his best is one heck of a vocal leader, shot blocker and gap controller in backing into his own zone.

If there’s such great character in the room, they can spare some to ensure they keep some physicality.

Bottom line for me is that Emelin has a place among the top four defensemen of a good to excellent hockey team. Gorges doesn’t.

Thurston, 23 June, 2014

I would concur with this.

As I said on the previous thread, I would have preferred a two-year deal. However, it’s for three years so it is what it is. The Habs need Markov back and he’s back.
I would like to see Bergevin somehow secure another good D-man so Markov doesn’t have to play as many minutes as he did over this past season. Perhaps he will have more gas left in the tank should the Habs make another deep playoff run.

Forum Dog, 23 June, 2014

Well, a little more money that I wanted to see, but in the grand scheme not burdensome contract. They definitely need his leadership and skills on the back-end if they are going to compete next year. Losing him would have created a huge void.

Presumably the Gionta piece will fall next. I’m assuming that they can wait a bit with PK given his RFA status. Unless of course an offer-sheet comes along….

Bob_Sacamano, 23 June, 2014

Right. We also desperately need a RD for the second pair. Not sure if Gorges has more value. He´s a little bit older, less physical and has nothing to offer offensively. I think Emelin will be much better next season if he plays on the left.

Forum Dog, 23 June, 2014

Good to know that MB got an LTC in there. Assuming good health, Markov at $5.75 is a moveable asset if they decide to go in another direction.

Hobie, 23 June, 2014

I like the signing.

As long as Beaulieu and Tinordi are both in the lineup as well. I loved Weaver’s game but I’m hoping he or another veteran isn’t signed and takes Tinordi’s or Beaulieu’s spot.

Subban
Markov
Emelin
Gorges
Beaulieu
Tinordi

Stevie.Ray, 23 June, 2014

It’s a nice story really.

Markov, the best Dman heading to free agency, the only top pairing defenseman heading to free agency, was almost certainly going to get 6m+ from some other team. He takes a home town discount.

The Habs on the other hand give our best Dman of the last decade, one of the few dependable players we have had, the extra year.

Both sides give a little bit. Both sides happy.

habs001, 23 June, 2014

If no injuries to Markov his minutes will not be cut..The Habs main priority is to make the playoffs so the team will go mainly with a veteran D group…Unless there is UFA signings or trades management realizes that the Habs scoring will be about the same as last year …so most games will have to be won 3-2 or 2-1…Habs have not been a top 15 team in scoring for a while…Before adding Vanek they were terrible 5/5…

Bob_Sacamano, 23 June, 2014

There´s only one natural RD.

DDO_Habs_Fan, 23 June, 2014

Something had to go down before the 25th and bang. I don’t like the deal length but Markov got less than he would have gotten in the free market. I am not sure MB is crazy about it but he probably could not replace him (trade or within the organization) so he had no choice.

That being said…Markov, Gorges, Emelin, Tinordi, Beaulieu…too many LH D-men. I don’t want to see Emelin on the right side anymore. Hopefully MB makes a move and balances out the D.

AceTen, 23 June, 2014

Wooo I’ve been saying all season they need to get him signed and 3 years around 18 mil is what it will take. I know it’s a longer term than most of us had hoped for but he deserves it. Great news

Loonie, 23 June, 2014

A shoe has to drop.

There isn’t room for Beaulieu, Tinordi and Pateryn in the short or long term. Over the next three years the team will presumably have Subban, Markov, Emelin, Gorges, Beaulieu, Tinordi, Pateryn while in the near term they also have Nygren.

I think that two of those guys above have to be gone at some point within the next three years if for no other reason than that you can’t keep all of those young guys happy in the minors. Pundits love to point to the Detroit model for developing young defensemen but in reality guys get sick of riding a bus for $50k per year and many demand to be moved so that they can get an opportunity to earn an NHL salary somewhere else. So the team either starts moving prospects or veterans. They aren’t moving Markov or Subban. So if they aren’t willing to move Gorges and/or Emelin how long before the NHL ready prospects demand to be sent to a team willing to play them?

tophab, 23 June, 2014

get rid of gorges he is too weak to win a puck battle and no offence and cost too much.

Marc10, 23 June, 2014

They’re both overpaid. Emelin would get you a return. Playing on his side with a solid partner he could go back to doing what he does best… driving people crazy and laying the odd guy out.

I don’t think Gorges would get you much. He’s overpaid by a mil and at best a solid 5 or 6. Not nearly physical or big enough for a stay at home Dman in today’s league. He’s probably untradeable unless he’s part of a package, but he’s dependable and props to him for taking Gally in.

Stevie.Ray, 23 June, 2014

Markov is certainly not the problem on defence no matter what his contract is. That said, they play him too many minutes at the start of the season and burn him out.

Need to get better depth on D to take some pressure off him, and need to start playing Subban close to 30 a night.

Beaulieu and Tinordi will be a step up, but expect growing pains.
I’m not against trading Emelin if possible.
Gorges and Weaver are great guys to have, but they’re limited. Need to have the right guys around them.

secretdragonfly, 23 June, 2014

A fair deal for both sides. Markov has been a rock for this team and I would be very happy to see him retire a Hab.

ClutchNGrab, 23 June, 2014

Two questions.
– Does the new contract include a no-trade clause?
– Will Garth Snow be the Islanders’ GM for the next three seasons?

Captain aHab, 23 June, 2014

I’ll remain the dissenting voice – I’m still far from thrilled about this – but if he does have a LTC, then there’s at least that.

—————-
Prepare to be boarded!!

Captain aHab, 23 June, 2014

Agree about the minutes but I’m betting they won’t lower them this year.

Really hoping Gorges is traded now and that we finally try Emelin on his natural side.

—————-
Prepare to be boarded!!

SC-1993, 23 June, 2014

Lets get something up front now. weak offense, weak defense don’t make a winner, gotta stay ahead of the other teams in the Eastern Conference. come on MB don’t lay back now, we’re still not strong enough up front. work on some good new faces.

Kooch7800, 23 June, 2014

Markov last season overall was out Best D man. 3 years at 5.75 is not so bad really.

We need him while the kids develop. Emelin’s poor play had a lot to do with that pairing looking awful during the playoffs. Emelin was God Awful and hopefully he will be able to train and be better next season. I am confident he will.

This habs team is better with Markov than without

Marc10, 23 June, 2014

From what I hear, Nygren is the modern day MAB. Unbelievable cannon of a shot… but sadly not an NHL Dman.

Trade Gorges and you can keep the kids. I just don’t know how you do that.

IMO, Beaulieu should start and stick now. Tiny or Pateryn should fight for the seventh spot. and get their chance when the injury bug strikes.

habs-fan-84, 23 June, 2014

Good deal.
2 years would have been ideal, but I’m not overly concerned with the 3rd year.

Markov looked dead near the end of this past season. However, at the end of this deal, I’m sure the plan is to have his minutes down considerably (relative to this year) as the “kids” and other possible UFAs and rentals pick up the “slack”.

Grimmly, 23 June, 2014

The Habs are lucky to have Markov, people seem to forget how much he brings to this team. The money and term are good, and I see Markov retiring a Hab, and not early

bwoar, 23 June, 2014

Now hopefully we can get someone better than Josh Gorges to play a regular shift with PK Subban.

Emelin maybe? That’s asking a lot of him but fully healthy, sure maybe.

Loonie, 23 June, 2014

This idea that Markov “slowed down” during the playoffs is total nonsense. He’s slower than he was before having major knee surgeries(emphasis on the second s).

In the playoffs he was the only Hab not named Emelin to give Milan Lucic one of the hardest checks he’s felt all season long. He blocked fourty-one shots and had twenty-nine hits in seventeen playoff games when the Habs were playing their best possession hockey of the entire season. He also only conceded thirteen even strength goals against in the seventeen playoff games he was in.

Markov is not soft or gassed in the playoffs. He’s a slow skater now. He was slow in the regular season and he was slow in the playoffs. But that didn’t make him any less physical than normal and it didn’t result in a point production drop.

FanSince1969, 23 June, 2014

Any news on Larry Robinson? Can you believe people are pushing Guy Boucher?

DDO_Habs_Fan, 23 June, 2014

With the Panthers probably drafting Aaron Ekblad maybe the Habs can make a play for Gudbranson. He would fit perfectly next to Markov or Gorges.

Kooch7800, 23 June, 2014

Gorges would be ok on your bottom pairing but not at 4 mill a season

tophab, 23 June, 2014

who would want gorges?

knob, 23 June, 2014

I’m ok with this aging vet sticking around. The term was expected, management has to give something up. The $s are surprisingly good for the Habs. Relatively speaking, Markov gave the Habs a hometown discount.

If we can somehow convert Gorges into a top 4 RHD that would be perfect. Integrate Beaulieu into the line-up on a full-time basis and hopefully Tinordi can win the #7 spot. Oh and re-sign Weaver.

Markov-Subban
Emelin-RHD
Beaulieu-Weaver
Tinordi

Kooch7800, 23 June, 2014

Emelin had a lot to do with that pairing struggling in certain games

Loonie, 23 June, 2014

In a perfect world you could have a top four good enough to put Tinordi and Beaulieu together on the third pairing.

Ain’t gonna happen though.

DDO_Habs_Fan, 23 June, 2014

Markov was clearly overused by MT…not his fault.

NightRyder, 23 June, 2014

I’m OK with this as long as they don’t bring Gionta back, manage Markov’s minutes a little better and pay him most of the money in year one and two, which will make him more moveable if necessary.

Captain aHab, 23 June, 2014

I thought they were both godawful in the playoffs and I don’t think it was all on Emelin. I saw Markov lose plenty of board battles all on his own and cough up the puck. He needed no help.

Anyways, play Emelin on his natural side and we’ll see and get an actual RD to play with Markov.

Markov has been great for the Habs and maybe we’ll get to trade him at some point and get some assets for him while teams still think he has value.

Same goes for Pleks.

—————-
Prepare to be boarded!!

Grimmly, 23 June, 2014

He looked gased because i swear he seemed to be the only player trying to take the body

NightRyder, 23 June, 2014

I’ve heard good things about this RHD guy.

Stevie.Ray, 23 June, 2014

It’ll never happen, but isn’t Wayne Simmonds the perfect player for the Habs. Right winger that can score and play tough. Also, one of the nicer contracts similar to Pacioretty.

HabinBurlington, 23 June, 2014

Also should be duly noted this was Emelins first year back after his surgery. I expect we see a much better Emelin next season. He missed training camp, was doing rehab all summer instead of off season training.

Kooch7800, 23 June, 2014

never know…the Hartnell for Umberger trade was a head scratcher.

Salary dump?

Marc10, 23 June, 2014

Now MB needs to sign PK. Oh and find us a top line winger to replace Vanek… Yikes!

PK will get done. The winger… Hmmm… We won’t replace regular season Vanek. That’s not possible. Maybe we can find a way to land a tough third liner like Chris Stewart to replace Gio though. Then throw in another Dale Weise type and it’s probably the best we can hope for. We’ll see what MB can pull off. Columbus just got a heck of a lot better in the short term and they’ll probably buy Hartnell out later… Interesting times. Go MB Go!

veryhabby, 23 June, 2014

I’m happy. at 5.75M it gives us cap room. The fact is he is our 2nd best dman right now. And at his calaber, that’s cheap!

No one knows what will happen in 3 yrs. He may still be our 2nd best dman!! The fact is we can really REALLY use a healthy Markov for at least another 2 yrs while the kids develop their NHL game. If they unseed him in the depth chart…GREAT, that’s what I want to see happen. Then we can worry about his final contract year. But then again, in 3 yrs he may still be one of our top dmen, and it may be a player like Gorges or Emelin that gets moved for one of the young guys. But lets first see them become regulars in the NHL before we say we don’t need Markov, Gorges or Emelin.

Great move!

bwoar, 23 June, 2014

I was not in favour of 3 years and generally the logjam at LD. But I think most people will at least admit the good things he brings to the team and that getting the calibre of talent for 5.75M on the backend is great. Lemme put it another way: he also stays out of Boston, Toronto, Ottawa, New York, Detroit and Columbus.

Looking for a deal to sort out all those players though…. could this be the year it’s “our turn” to move up in the draft?

Loonie, 23 June, 2014

I can see anybody making an argument for Subban being underused. Markov being overused? Nope.

The fans of this team have been begging for a good playoff from Markov for a decade, he finally gives them one and they think he had a bad playoff.

It’s people bitching for the sake of bitching.

bwoar, 23 June, 2014

Exactly my thinking on Emelin. He’ll be better next year.

Captain aHab, 23 June, 2014

I guess we didn’t see the same games then because he clearly looked gassed to me. He was nothing like the mid-season Markov.

—————-
Prepare to be boarded!!

NightRyder, 23 June, 2014

Hartnell down! [takes a drink]

bwoar, 23 June, 2014

A lot of nights we will still be our best defenseman, even 3 years from now.

HabinBurlington, 23 June, 2014

Rumours Hartnell was quite frustrated with Philly dating back awhile. Some pretty nasty rumours out there about some crap that went on. If true, can understand why he wanted out.

punkster, 23 June, 2014

Excellent.

Release the Subbang!!!

jimmy shaker, 23 June, 2014

Would’ve loved Hartnell in a Hab uni! Seems like a very good trade for C-Bus, only a 4.75 mill/per cap hit. Great to have the general back for 3 more years. Not exactly sure why people on here were pushing him out of town. Who would replace marky? quick answer……nobody, outside of a major trade!

Shaker out!

Habfan17, 23 June, 2014

I would give Beaulieu and Gorges. Beaulieu played with Huberdeau and Bennett can fill the while left by Beaulieu. Throw in Nygrean and get Florida’s 2nd round pick.

Habfan17

Habsbill24, 23 June, 2014

We are doomed. Markov signing is horrible at 5.75 for three years. We will be regretting this day next year or the year after when he has slowed down some more and we have no cap space to sign Chucky and others. Way too much money.

JUST ME, 23 June, 2014

Wasn`t there something better than Umberger we could have given for Hartnell ?

Unless there is something we do not know.
Unless there is something in the water in Philly.
Unless there was a huge I.O.U. to redeem …

I do not get it.

bwoar, 23 June, 2014

He’ll need to score more on the PP, that part of his game was ineffective. He had a decent playoff, finally. Now we need a great one.

NightRyder, 23 June, 2014

Pffft.

Marc10, 23 June, 2014

Agreed.

Grimmly, 23 June, 2014

THE WORLD IS COMING TO AN END RUN!!!!!!!!!!!!

Loonie, 23 June, 2014

Whatever “Markov” he was that you saw at mid-season was statistically worse in nearly every tangible category than the Markov he was in the second half and the playoffs.

Stevie.Ray, 23 June, 2014

Gudbranson: big, right handed, stay at home D, loves the Habs.

I think he would be an upgrade over Gorges and Emelin, but what would it take to get him? Unfortunately, Bourque wouldn’t do it. Maybe Eller as Fla is weak down the middle.

Subban – Markov
Beaulieu – Gudbranson
Gorges/Tinordi – Weaver

NightRyder, 23 June, 2014

My insight was more concise.

HabinBurlington, 23 June, 2014

Mid season Markov had that Magnificent Hair too!

Grimmly, 23 June, 2014

This draft really is not exciting, i think at 27 is as good as 10, its a crap shoot this year

Stevie.Ray, 23 June, 2014

Is this about how Carter slept with Hartnells wife?

DDO_Habs_Fan, 23 June, 2014

Markov played 25 min/game in the regular season (9th in the NHL) and 26 min/game in the playoffs (11th) as a 35 year old. He’s not built like Chris Chelios and Lidstrom were. Sorry, he was overused.

Grimmly, 23 June, 2014

but, but, but, We are doomed he said…….

Loonie, 23 June, 2014

How is it possible to have overused a player in the playoffs that was better than his regular season self and in a situation where there was no viable alternative to implement as an improvement?

umberger and hartnell are almost a wash, same style, same age, same size

NightRyder, 23 June, 2014

When they announce a two-year, $8M deal for Gionta, that’s when I’ll be sour.

Loonie, 23 June, 2014

And in the playoffs when the Habs completely turned the tables on their regular season possession numbers that were god awful he improved his point production, checking, takeaways and maintained his shot blocking numbers.

Clearly played too much.

mrhabby, 23 June, 2014

I think this is a message to PK a bit..were bringing back Marky, keeping one of the habs best players in the fold. Clearly the FA market is very thin. The money in grand scheme of things is no biggie. Habs had little leverage.

DDO_Habs_Fan, 23 June, 2014

I thought Markov was equally good in the regular season and the playoffs. Anyway, you asked a key question which MB has to find an answer for: “Who do you give his minutes to?”

Gorges can’t play with PK top 2 minutes. Also Emelin can’t play on the right top minutes with Markov. MB has to do something or Price will face another barrage in the playoffs.

mrhabby, 23 June, 2014

its not ur money …why sweat it.

Loonie, 23 June, 2014

I will agree all day that Gorges needs to be improved upon and with that should be sent to another team considering he’d be halting the careers of Beaulieu and/or Tinordi.

But by every statistical measure other than Team goals against Markov was better in the second half of the season and the playoffs than he was in the first half.

The things that caused that improvement can be argued for eternity but the fact that the improvement happened can’t be.

adamkennelly, 23 June, 2014

got no problem with this signing. was inevitable – had to happen.

They better not sign Gionta – that would be a huge mistake.

How bout that Hartnell trade? – I like Umberger but Hartnell is a much better player.

Kooch7800, 23 June, 2014

We could have used him but I think he is overpaid

Loonie, 23 June, 2014

What’s the message to PK Subban?

Kooch7800, 23 June, 2014

He will be better. That was the worst we have seen him play. He will be better.

BJ, 23 June, 2014

The positive side of this deal is that he didn’t walk and we have nothing in return. His market value was at least that amount and perhaps some team would have given him 4-5 years. Now we still retain an asset with value. Next year if we do not challenge and make the playoffs he could be traded (I think as I do not know the terms of the contract). That was the Gainey/Gauthier era of waste when we lost numerous UFA’s (I once counted over 14) for nothing. We could have picked up assets and picks but did not. And to this day we are still paying for that lack of foresight.

Luke, 23 June, 2014

“Hey PK (and the rest of you bums)! Markov is still on the team. Stop trying to steal his locker”

mrhabby, 23 June, 2014

why trade Emelin..our D lacks even more physical force without him.

HabinBurlington, 23 June, 2014

Perhaps, I think alot of bad blood was in that dressing room, probably wants a fresh start.

HabinBurlington, 23 June, 2014

“Backoff, get your own sandwich!”

NightRyder, 23 June, 2014

No Gionta. It’s time for a change in leadership. Let the Subbans and Paciorettys step forward even more. Had there been a viable option to replacing Markov, I’d bid him adieu as well, but there are no options.
My right nut would be a better option than Gionta. Sadly, though, I think they will re-sign him.

Thurston, 23 June, 2014

Whatever you think of this signing, I do like the fact Bergevin is proactive and gets things done.
Justified or not, Gainey always gave me the impression he slept under his desk a la George Costanza. Bergevin perpetuates a far more vibrant image.

krob1000, 23 June, 2014

For me the key now is for the habs to go out and get another very good dman and move Gorges…or Emelin but preferably Gorges.
Markov at this point is best sutied playing as PK’s partner but only if the team is not stunted from a puck moving persepctive with onoly thoise two being able to do it. Markov is smart enough to play with PK. Assuming BEaulieu can make the leap you still need to get Emelin on his correct side IMO. Pateryn is not likely ready to do that so …do you target a stop gap vet like Dan Boyle? a guy like Niskanen and go all in for next two or 3 seasons? IF given the choice between 4 million on Giontaor 5 million on Niskanen …..I go 5 on Niskanen and shore up the top 4. Sign Weaver and have 2 of Beaulieu, Tinordi, Pateryn make the club…and perhaps tehy work themselves higher into the lineup.
Markov-Subban (1st pp unit)
Emelin (natural side)-Niskanen
Beaulieu-Weaver
Tinordi/Pateryn
Beaulieu can slide up to the 2nd pp and Emelin/Weaver play the shift after pp’s.

This would work if Pk signs at Price money. If Pk shoots for the stars then Habs will not be able to get much better this year. If PK accepts thaat Price is teams most important player and signs for similar then look out!! Team can go hard after a number 3 dman who fits the lineup.

Savardian Spin-o-rama, 23 June, 2014

What Marky gives up in speed and agility, he makes up for with guile. I dare say the man “thinks” the game better than 3/4’s of his peers. Good signing MB. Keep it up.

~~ You’ve been spun ~~

Luke, 23 June, 2014

Cammalleri did say the jerseys smelled like calzones…

wildwilly, 23 June, 2014

Doomed? Too much money?

He is a top-pairing defenseman that played 25 minutes a night. Markov is a known quantity. He has made others around him better for over a decade. Players of his type still perform well at 40.

You don’t get players like that (even at his age) for peanuts.

mrhabby, 23 June, 2014

the message is the organization is proactive and wants to keep building on an upward trend..not shipping marky off leaving the defence weaker…other than that I dunno ..it just sounded good.

Just looked at the salaries and Umber is WAAAAAAY overpaid but is done in a couple years. Hartnell’s deal isn’t that bad

Loonie, 23 June, 2014

I really wouldn’t lose any sleep if the Habs let Gionta walk but your distaste for him is something to behold. His value to the Habs at this point in his career is defensive play and leadership and while I wouldn’t pay him $4 million annually for it I get the feeling you’ll be whipping up a Bergevin voodoo doll if he retains him for so much as $3 million annually. You can’t purge every veteran on your team for the sake of establishing new young leadership but if the team were to rid itself of Gorges and Gionta I wouldn’t argue based on their limitations and the bang you get for your buck.

Anyway, I think there is a place for Gionta on this team and as its captain for the next couple of years at something around three million annually. But I wouldn’t go much higher than that.

bwoar, 23 June, 2014

On the other hand, maybe this signing pushes Gorges to the right side? Markov/PK should be a no-brainer pairing:

Markov-Subban
Emelin-Gorges
Beaulieu-Weaver (Pateryn)

Ideally one of Pateryn or Nygren steps into the NHL next year.

Donkey Hoat, 23 June, 2014

Given that the cap will rise each year, this is a good move by management.
We need Markov more than whomever would be available on the UFA market; there’s simply no one right now to replace him.

krob1000, 23 June, 2014

I think Pk could get 7.5 on the open market..but I also think Markov could have got 6.5 or more himself. Markov has always been fair to Montreal and they have always been fair to him and the team has benefitted as a result. IMO I still maintain PK should sign for the exact money and term Carey Price did. HE would still be in his prime after 6 or 7 years and if he wants to leave then so be it…but these could be some rosy times if PK cooperates re the cap.

CJ, 23 June, 2014

Good afternoon folks.

When the trade deadline closed, we moved past the point of no return.

There were only two options, IMO. Markov tests the market and signs elsewhere with no compensation for Montreal. Or, Montreal bends and accepts the third year that the General requested. I suppose that this is the best case scenario. Personally, I don’t like the third year and have laboured that point for some time, but the modified no trade clause might open an opportunity going forward.

There are always sticking points. Rightfully or wrongfully. Fairly or unfairly these events are lasting. For me, it was this year’s playoffs. Funny, as I dogged on Bourque all year, yet my lasting impression of his play was favorable. Maybe this is fair, maybe it’s totally unfair. For me, one of the lasting impressions of Markov was being turnstiled in the playoffs. In his defense, I really don’t like the pairing with Emelin, but there is no denying that the General has lost a step. How much more footing he continues to lose will define the value attached to this extension.

I continue to stand by my assertion that one of Markov, Emelin or Gorges will not be with the team to start the season. Now that Markov is secured, the focus shifts to our other team rearguards. I just don’t see a fit for either within our top 4. As a 5/6 they would both be serviceable, but both are LH shots and should be on their natural left side. Something needs to give……

Loonie, 23 June, 2014

I agree completely and that’s the one move that Bergevin made that I loved from the beginning.

Give Price his contract and set the bar that nobody else makes more. Karlsson is at $6.5 million per, give Subban the same as he and Price and call it a day. Then you get to extend Price first and set the bar again with the continued rise of the Cap.

krob1000, 23 June, 2014

NOt sure he has the stick skills to play there…IMO Gorges is an Andrew Feerencet type guy who when mixed witht he right d corps is very effective but in Montreal they need that role t go to someone tougher as up front they are lacking toughness. I can see an Emelin Gorges pairing working in theory if only one of them could play their offside…I think Emelin has proven he struggles there….

Hartnell when playing well is/was a beast. He gave his heart and soul for the Flyers. I wonder if we see that out of him, when he plays for another team. He was the epitomy of a Flyer, and I would think the fans in Philly probably don’t like this move.

Umberger had his best hockey of his career against us in the playoffs, haven’t seen him play that well since.

Stevie.Ray, 23 June, 2014

A lot of hate for Gionta on here. Strange to see as he was probably our second most dependable defensive forward this season, but I get it – small, not a lot of goals, etc.

But right wing is where we are weakest, and – much like the Markov situation – there is nobody on the free agency market that can replace him. Well, realistically, replace Vanek and Gionta. Gaborik and Iginla will resign. Alfredsson, no thanks. Hemsky, doesn’t want to stay in Canada. Callahan wants too much money. Cammallerri, Heatley, Whitney, Leino? All LW and no thanks.

There are really three possibilities. Moulson (who is technically a LW), Michalek (Also LW, but has played on the right, and well), and Vrbata. Are these guys that much better than Gionta?

HabinBurlington, 23 June, 2014

Good for Pat Burns, too bad they couldn’t make this decision much sooner as you point out.

Forum Dog, 23 June, 2014

While I can agree with the idea of Gorges not being a top-4 d-man, I respectfully disagree when it comes to Emelin. In my mind, he can be a top-4 guy in the NHL. There were some bad moments last season, but as long as those can be chalked up to recovery from major knee surgery, I think we should be comfortable penciling him in for 20 minutes/game.

Also, while I agree it would probably be easier for him to play on his natural (left) side, they have been grooming him to play the right for a couple of seasons now. I don’t see them switching him back, especially if the goal is to have he and Markov pair up.

PK could benefit from a stronger D partner, but he might have to wait until Beaulieu or Tinordi mature.

NightRyder, 23 June, 2014

No distaste for him personally, there’s just no value there for a five-foot-seven, 30-40 point guy who will be 36 in January.
Also, captains who can’t play anymore are tuned out very quickly and it would be awkward all around to have to take the ‘C’ away from him.
He’d be better served in a Dr. Recchi role with another team.

franco, 23 June, 2014

D men, not needed, Canadiens are set on Defense and goal. Forwards could be the focus. Lots of young talent needing mentors to find their way. Expect Boulion to be signed for another year along with Weaver.

Boulion in an out of lineup, not complainer, good team guy, mentor useful 7th or fill in.

Markov mentor, this is a Detriot type move, he will be 38 when his contract plays out and still plenty of upside, this remains to be seen.

Subban is the stud that is a game changer

Emelin is the hitter, punisher hopefully his knee comes back to 100%

Weaver, Gorges shot blockers, hard honest players.

Like I said they are set on the blue line, even if injuries hit.

There could be a sleeper out there coming, this remains to be seen.

krob1000, 23 June, 2014

Would you consider Dustin Byfuglien? as a dman

mrhabby, 23 June, 2014

or a trade is somehow manufactured to get a bigger RH player and letting Gionta walk. that’s another discussion.

Forum Dog, 23 June, 2014

Of the names you mention, I would only see Vrbata as a potential replacement. Moulson would bring a little something that the Habs lack (net presence), but I don’t think his footspeed is up to snuff. Habs play a skating game and that is Moulson’s achilles….

habs-hampton, 23 June, 2014

Why are we so cautious about bringing up d-men in this organization. Beaulieu is ready… period. Tinordi is ready as well. Yes, they will make mistakes, but everyone does. At this stage in their careers, they will learn faster in Mtl than in Hamilton. Its time to make room for them.

Stevie.Ray, 23 June, 2014

Two years ago maybe.

JUST ME, 23 June, 2014

Wow ! Keep em`coming ! Good news day ! Burns at hall of fame makes my day. Miss the guy so much as much for his work as for his words.

What`s next now ?

Loonie, 23 June, 2014

If I’m Bergevin the issue for me in talking with Bartlett about Gionta is that the market is in fact flooded with players who can easily replace Gionta’s production. It just so happens that the Habs are always talking about their high character room so the potential loss of his leadership probably isn’t seen as catastrophic.

So in saying that what kind of a player can equal Gionta’s production and leadership or surpass it and how much more are you willing to pay one of those players than what Gionta’s demanding? Also, would they be willing to sign with the Habs? That’s an answer Bergevin will get prior to having to make a decision on Gionta.

Callahan, Iginla, Alfredsson, Whitney, Bolland, Moulson, Ott and Morrow are all either better than or equal to Gionta. That is a pretty big market of guys who can play well defensively, add offense and leadership.

Gionta would not be a mistake depending on contract. Unsung hero’s are needed to fill roles that are thankless. Checking, leaders who play hard every shift

They chip in the odd goal, shut down other teams lines, kill some penalties and play within their age and can be counted on.

Do not underestimate veteran leadership, a go to guy for the coach to express player concerns as they happen and keep harmony in the dressing room.

Un Canadien errant, 23 June, 2014

Lunchtime, watching the Canucks press conference to introduce Willie Desjardins as the Canucks Head Coach. With him and Jim Benning, the reporters out here won’t get the juicy quotes they got last year with Mike Gillis and John Tortorella running the team. A very vanilla staff. Which is probably good, we saw a lot of drama at the New Pacific Coliseum last season, and that didn’t get them very far.

———————————————————————–My sources are unreliable, but their info is fascinating.–Woody Paige

Your saying that he can’t play anymore is a pretty nice illustration of a distaste for him.

He can absolutely play well still. He just isn’t worth anything close to five million annually anymore.

Consider another player with the Habs in Josh Gorges who based on on-ice talents and production is as replaceable as they come, and yet we have him locked up at $4 million per with a logjam on defense.

krob1000, 23 June, 2014

HE has 2 years left..he is 29 yrs old. He fights very rarely…but when he does he takes on heavyweights…he could also be a RW occasionally…..a big hulking RH dman and a guy who can play upfront…either way a big skilled guy who can play good minutes. I think I would pay for the diff between he and Gionta.

Dunboyne Mike, 23 June, 2014

Hey Hamp.
Hopefully, if the team reckons Markov would benefit from reduced TOI, it creates more space for B and T to play and grow (and yup, making mistakes along the way).

Loonie, 23 June, 2014

I’m still laughing about how it was Tortorella’s fault that his team didn’t play a more uptempo game when his GM rid them of Michael Grabner, Cody Hodsgon, Mayson Raymond and Raffi Torres.

That’s like blaming a nascar driver for not winning races in a pontiac sunfire.

franco, 23 June, 2014

The message is we are serious about winning and Markov has the experience that you cannot get easily.

P.K. would be happy for Markov and a good guy on the power play and a mentor for Beauleu, they play the same style.

Byfuglien would be a great compliment to a guy like Emelin or even Gorges. Being put with somebody very defensively responsible would allow him to play at his best.

Some guys just need a lot of rope, he’s one of them.

Dunboyne Mike, 23 June, 2014

I used to mix those two up. Bizarre or kind of reasonable?

Forum Dog, 23 June, 2014

One of the things I like about this deal getting done is that let’s MB spend this week focusing on the draft and whatever comes with it. The most time-sensitive negotiation is done and out of the way, and now he can deal from a position of relative strength both at the draft and during the early stages of the UFA period.

franco, 23 June, 2014

Detroit does not think like you and they have been very successful.

He has a ‘C’ for a reason, it is called leadership and good communicator.

Detroit does not hesitate to keep the odd special veteran around to help the team transition the new guys. They went to the top 4 with Gionta as a regular, so he has proven his worth even in tough games.

Feraco, 23 June, 2014

Correct me if I’m wrong but I believe Markov arranged his own contract sans agent…so he would drop his asking price by 2-5% whatever an agent charges

franco, 23 June, 2014

You already sound ‘sour’. Maybe you are just naturally ‘sour’.

Harditya, 23 June, 2014

MB has been a busy man re-signing Therrien, Weise and Markov in such a short span. I hope no more pending UFA’s are going to be re-signed.
Looks like our 2014-15 defense core will be: Markov, Subban, Emelin, Gorges, Weaver, Beaulieu
Tinordi and Pateryn will be challenging for spots. Maybe even Nygren. If either one of them convince Bergevin they are ready for NHL, one of Gorges or Emelin is going to be being traded for sure (agreeing with CJ). Given Bergevin is the one who extended Emelin, I suspect Josh is the odd man out. It’s about time we add the younger players on defense who can eventually handle big minutes in future. Subban doesn’t have a legitimate top 2 defense partner. It was disheartening to see him beside Gorges and Bouillon all season, as much as I love those guys.

SPATS, 23 June, 2014

Hey CJ, I wouldn’t be sad to see Gorges go, but suspect Carey would. Interesting situation. I say move Gorges if we can and sign Weaver for less (?) as they are basically the same guy but from what I’ve seen on 24CH and Dream Weavers’ punching above his weight physically… Weaver is even more of a leader (quietly)

I see us hanging 79 and 11 sometime down the road if we can get a cup. Wouldn’t mind seeing Koivu come back for one year in Gio’s spot.

PS, have landed a steady gig with a National chain… How about that game at the Hunt club?

Dunboyne Mike, 23 June, 2014

Loonie, you could have shortened a lot of threads and shielded the ozone layer from beaucoup de hot air had you only contributed this pithy assessment at the height of the HIO Markov Debate. Don’t be a stranger!

Luke, 23 June, 2014

Sergei Berezin was/is his agent.

Markov’s wife/gf is also involved in his hockey business to some extent.

Loonie, 23 June, 2014

Sergei Berezin is his agent.

Habitforming, 23 June, 2014

No Tinordi?

frontenac1, 23 June, 2014

That is Great News! Like Psycho says,better Late than Never. It’s been too long. Saludos Pat,. RIP.

Stevie.Ray, 23 June, 2014

His physicality was way down this year, and his bad plays were way up.

NightRyder, 23 June, 2014

Jim Benning sounds like he is mentally challenged.

Dunboyne Mike, 23 June, 2014

Especially if Emelin can play his natural side.

krob1000, 23 June, 2014

I think he would be ideal for Emelin….Emelin could hit and Buff could be there just in case things got nasty…..they would be a scary pair late in shifts though as neither really screams cardio to me!!

Cal, 23 June, 2014

And so halfway through season 2 of Markov’s contract is when the regret sets in?
Betcha we’ll see Gionta re-seigned for another 2 years of futility.
Many say there wasn’t an option. Play the effing kids and live with it for a couple years. Playing Markov 25 minutes a night isn’t the answer.

HabinBurlington, 23 June, 2014

Don’t tell Sergei Berezin that, he is probably still thinking he gets the cut for the agent. Markov indeed dropped his previous agent, rumours were out there that his now girlfriend was applying for agent status. But a few months ago word got out that he hired former sharpshooter (cough, cough) Sergein Berezin to be his agent.

HabinBurlington, 23 June, 2014

I could have written one line quick to, takes longer to take a shot at Sergei though!

Habcouver, 23 June, 2014

Glad Marky is resigned: will be good for the young D-men, and hey! it would be something to see him finish his career with the Habs and +1,000 games (maybe).

We Are (Not) All Canucks.
Proudly Canadian but passionately Canadien!

Luke, 23 June, 2014

Yah, this really is the only one that needed to be done.

Weaver/Gionta etc aren’t pressing and there is a reasonable chance that they won’t sign immediately on the 1st with another team.

Also worth noting that MB signed Markov before the window allowing other teams to talk to UFAs opened.

Grimmly, 23 June, 2014

Look how bad the fans are after losing 3 in a row, “living with it” playing the kids could take a few years to turn the team into a winner would cause a riot.

Loonie, 23 June, 2014

They would definitely be the all-cheeseburger pairing.

NightRyder, 23 June, 2014

There’s that.

Plus he’s old, small, not difficult to play against and will produce 40 points at most. $2.5M and no ‘C’ and he can stay for awhile.

Ron in Ottawa, 23 June, 2014

People are talking about all our d-men, but remember: we still have not signed. Without him, the rest are all second rate.

johnnylarue, 23 June, 2014

I’m happy to see The Cranky General signed. All too rare nowadays that a guy gets to play his entire career for one team. (Hey, I’m a sentimental guy!)

As for the term? Can anyone actually say with any certainty what kind of player Markov will be in three years? I can’t! But I know the guy is smart, and seems to have figured out how to be effective along the boards without taking any unnecessary corporal punishment. He was, against all odds, the Habs’ “iron man” until MT gave him and Emelin a game off near the end of the season.

And let’s face it, even if his minutes decline and he finds himself becoming more Gonchar-like than Lidstrom-esque in the end, he still brings a lot to the table–and given the rising salary cap, that contract is hardly a gross over-payment.

The Habs are still transitioning from perennial bubble team to perennial playoff contenders, and even as he slows down, Markov will play an integral role in ensuring that our promising young D corps (namely Beaulieu, Tiny, Pateryn + Nygren) can learn the finer points of the game from a player who understands it like few others.

Bergevin didn’t have much of a choice on this one, in my opinion, and the (somewhat minor) $750,000 concession on the contract total was at the very least a show of good will on Marky’s part, who chose to turn down what would have certainly been more money on the open market in order to remain a Hab.

This one gets the johnnylarue seal of approval.

Loonie, 23 June, 2014

Letting Markov walk before Beaulieu is ready to assume that #2 role wouldn’t be a set back, it would be a lottery pick in the making.

Depends on what you want I suppose.

SPATS, 23 June, 2014

Does MB signing Marky to 3 yrs send a message to some of the elite Russian talent on the other side of the border? Maybe is says that the CH respects the Russians and maybe Ovy or Malkin decide they’d be more comfortable in a more European feeling market now with all the political tension because of Ukraine, Syria etc?

Just fishin… but put their shoes on… sure makes the possibilities more interesting non?

Cal, 23 June, 2014

Fans seem to forget all the icing plays and players blowing by him. Markov in his prime was a Top 10 Dman in the league. He’s nowhere near that now and it forces Emelin to another 3 seasons on the wrong side. That’s why I don’t like the deal. The term is 2 seasons too long.

HabinBurlington, 23 June, 2014

Poll Question:
Phaneuf $7Mill per for 7 Years
or
Markov $5.75Mill per for 3 Years

frontenac1, 23 June, 2014

Hard to see Tu-74 going after Marc signed him amigo. He needs to get back to his proper side and kick start the Nasty. Gorges gets creamed a lot and blows coverage too often. He does block a lot of shots but so does everybody not named Diaz , so,yeah, adios Josh. Saludos!

chilli, 23 June, 2014

I’m happy with the Markov signing. One, he’s still a good D-man who logs important minutes – those are few and far between. But also importantly, it’s a class move that show our organizing is well run. We need players to want to come to Montreal. Many free agents won’t – unless they are overpaid to compensate for the taxes, the weather, the media etc…
So good move by MB.

The Hockey Hall Of Fame can suck balls. They had a chance to grant a dying man entry and said no. Now three years later suddenly the only guy to win coach of the year with three different teams is worthy of their lame little velvet-rope club? They suck.

Tre

Cal, 23 June, 2014

Markov makes his fair share of errors. We’re not seeing flawless hockey from him. He pinches at the wrong time and gets burnt for it, just like a rookie would.

franco, 23 June, 2014

My advice to some posters:

In September sign up for a hockey program if you are over 25 to coach a bantam or pee wee team.

You will learn first hand how hard this game is to coach. If you end up with a team that is not. shall we say. a powerhouse and you lose a few games and people start to mumble and second guess you, how that makes you feel.

Now I know you will not have a million dollar contract to reasure you, but it will disappoint you when some father undermines you and decides he can do better.

Now I realize some are probably volunteers already and have had positive experiences. There is always that one year or two that just does not work out and you become disallusioned.

Sometimes the next year a know it all will take on a team and realize what you already know, this can be hard and frustrating.

For every 8 parents there is always one or two that make things difficult and cause coaches to quit, maybe a little bitter, but a whole lot wiser.

Your team can be riding a winning streak and come out and stink out the joint and you look like a fool that does not know a hockey puck from a tomato. The parent that starts lecturing his kid and being a jerk and you bite your tongue because you know the kid did his best, it just wasn’t his day, then you hear that he has dropped out a year or so later.

Now become a ref and your education will be complete.

This is where compassion comes from, cruel experience.

A guy like Gionta has seen it all and can help a player get through the rough patches because he has been in the rough patch himself.

SPATS, 23 June, 2014

I think this seals Gio’s fate. Markov leads the Russian/Euro bloc on the team. Carey leads the rest. Gio is dispensable. I’d bring Koivu back for a year before Gio.

Cal, 23 June, 2014

What came first, the imbecile or the nutbar?

Loonie, 23 June, 2014

Phaneuf’s will look really bad when Subban’s back at $6.5 million per for 5 years.

Luke, 23 June, 2014

Maybe. Or Maybe we don’t regret those years at all, either.

I don’t get it.
It seems to me that people are expecting Markov to be in the same role in 2017 that he was in 2014.
I have a sneaking suspicion that as time passes this team will evolve and roles will change.

My expectation is that in year 2 Beaulieu surpasses Markov and instead of hoping Nygren can somehow handle the 2nd PP (or NHL at all – see Diaz/Weber) you know you have Markov who can handle both.

We know we have PK, Beaulieu and Markov for 3 years. Nice not to worry about finding a replacement for the only one that can get away for free.

frontenac1, 23 June, 2014

Commandant!! I hope you are all set for the Draft this week. We are counting on you amigo! Saludos!

Dunboyne Mike, 23 June, 2014

Thanks 5-1! I think you just answered a question I asked 2 miles below (just logged on, scrolling up).
Cheers

Loonie, 23 June, 2014

No, we notice when he gets burned. We take it for granted when nine out of the ten pinches result in maintained possession or a goal.

If Markov got burned every time he pinched he wouldn’t be back and nobody would want him.

This is the nature of the market unfortunately. We want what everybody else has and hate what we have.

HabinBurlington, 23 June, 2014

Nice to see you posting Tom, have a good day bud. I am hopeful of the same type deal for PK.

CHeers!

Loonie, 23 June, 2014

I haven’t been on in a long time prior to today but given the team’s roster and future it seems that acquiring a top four defenseman with some physicality and offense is still a priority and that adding an excellent scorer to replace the dimension Vanek created for the team would be nice.

So how about the tie-in with Kevin Chevyldayoff in Winnipeg who is near admittedly close to the end with both Byfuglien and Kane? I think it would take a first round pick, a future second round pick, a good roster player and a prospect to get that deal done.

I would offer this year’s first round pick, next year’s second round pick, Tomas Plekanec and Greg Pateryn for Evander Kane and Dustin Byfuglien.

Too much or not enough?

SPATS, 23 June, 2014

The leadership is now stable with Markov resigned and Carey reaching a Milestone this past year with Olympic gold. I’d re sign Weaver, Give PK the C and send Gorges packing along with any Gomer #11 jerseys.

Gio is not as needed as he was a few yrs back. I’d rather have Koivu on the right wing working with Eller… One year deal and retire 11 at the end of the year. Give Gally back 73.

Cal, 23 June, 2014

It’s too much rinse and repeat with players that are well past it. The Habs should move forward instead of clinging to older players that will not produce.

Gionta’s offensive production was higher than Ott’s, Whitney’s, Bolland’s, Callahan’s (who want 6m+) and Morrow’s, and I think you severely understate how good Gionta was defensively this past season. I would love to get Iginla or Moulson (LW) for the right price, but it’s not guaranteed.
Gionta is the Captain, plays his role, will likely be cheap, is a good leader, and plays well with Plekanec. Is he the same player he used to be? No, he’s getting older. We all know that, but he is still useful for another season or two.

Loop_Garoo, 23 June, 2014

Neither is playing 4 kids on D.

Dunboyne Mike, 23 June, 2014

Excellent summary from the left coast.

Loonie, 23 June, 2014

What’s the big deal here Cal? What can’t they do next three years because of Markov’s contract? The cap just went up $7 million dollars and is projected to be at $90 million shortly after this contract expires? They still have $20 million in cap room for this season, Briere’s money is gone next off-season and every other player that they’ll need to re-sign in that time will be looking at a bridge deal and not a huge payday.

Who’s in line for a big money deal before Markov’s expires? Eller? Bournival? Gallagher? Galchenyuk? Nope, none of them. Eller will get a short term deal to prove himself going into UFA status and the others which also include Beaulieu and Tinordi are looking at bridge deals like Subban’s coming off of. This team is in great shape financially for the future. And Markov doesn’t hold back Beaulieu’s development because there aren’t four players of Markov or Subban’s quality currently on our team.

piper, 23 June, 2014

Bad deal IMO. It’s time to start using Tinordi, Beaulieu, and Pateryn. Should have looked for a younger right shot d-man. Three more years of Emelin on his wrong side which he struggles with. The second and third years will really be tough to take.

bwoar, 23 June, 2014

Can that horse you’re on get any higher? Cause he still ain’t jack compared to me.

Un Canadien errant, 23 June, 2014

Scanning the old threads, I see that the lunatic has slipped the straight jacket again, and is carpet bombing the site with his imbecilic contrarianism. If HIO won’t give me a button to ignore specific posters, can I at least be given the ability to assign an avatar to other posters, so I can ensure I don’t accidentally read one of his posts unintentionally? Like a poison absorbed through the skin?

– Paul Henderson is not in the Hall of Fame, but his achievement, the apotheosis of his career, has its own special display in the HOF. So I think they’re on the right track, in that maybe his career doesn’t meet the criteria for inclusion, but the series-winning goal he scored in 1972 is immortalized.

– I’m thinking of launching a letter-writing campaign to my member of Parliament, the Prime Minister, the Minister of Culture, etc., and grieve that I’m being discriminated against as a francophone hors-Québec, that my cultural legacy is being infringed by this RDS blackout in my region. We were all assured when Radio-Canada stopped broadcasting Canadiens games that we would be even better served with the new era, we’d get all the games, instead of just Saturday nights.

– I read a few mentions about the Christmas break road trip. Isn’t that locked in stone now that the New Forum will be busy hosting World Junior Championship games for the next two years, and we should expect it?

– Jérémy Grégoire is the lowest-drafted player invited to Team Canada for the WJC, pending this season’s draft and a big surprise. He went in the 6th round, no one else was lower than fourth. Obviously will root for him to make the team, and Michael McCarron to make the U.S. squad, although both are longshots. Zach Fucale is a shoo-in, on the other hand. At least I would hope.

———————————————————————–My sources are unreliable, but their info is fascinating.–Woody Paige

Remember, nobody plays ‘flawless’ hockey. Hockey is a game of mistakes, otherwise there is no game.

How on earth did they make it to the top 4. 26 other teams crashed an burned, so people need to chill out as the goalie says.

ari, 23 June, 2014

Very happy with Markov signing.Now MB has to move some one on D to make room for youngsters. I guess is going to be gorges.

Loonie, 23 June, 2014

I’m not so sure that Winnipeg can ask for better than that.

johnnylarue, 23 June, 2014

Excellent evaluation of my summary from the right coast… of Ireland.

Loop_Garoo, 23 June, 2014

I am really hoping we go no where near Callahan. Great player, too many injuries, not enough points for the money and term.

franco, 23 June, 2014

But, they could miss the playoffs, doing it your way.

They are moving forward, cautiously, but forward.

Do not underestimate what you have, Detroit would have grabbed Markov for the three years. They have made a science of letting players play if they look after themselves.

2mins4lookinsooogood, 23 June, 2014

I give top marks to any trade that didn’t start with Rene Bourque as the answers to the other team’s perceived “need”.

But I gotta deduct them for sending Plekanec to anywhere that he clearly hasn’t said he would accept on his modified NTC. (no offense to BWOAR, but I can’t see him wanting to be in Winnipeg)

Don’t see Kane meeting the character test either.

“Don’t crush that dwarf Alex Henry, hand me the pliers”

piper, 23 June, 2014

Not enough. It would need to start with Max plus .

ClutchNGrab, 23 June, 2014

Looking at the Oilers’ 3M and higher forwards and the Habs’ 4M and lower defencemen, somewhere there is trade that could work pretty well for both teams.

bwoar, 23 June, 2014

You could probably get one of those guys for that offer, not both, to be clear.

I don’t get the vibe, here at ground zero, that the end is nigh for either player, though Byfuglien would be closer than Kane if I had to guess. Mainly because he’s very lazy about his own fitness. Biff Buff is a danger to both teams when he has the puck, but in my (and many Jets fans’) estimation he’s still kinda underrated as a defenseman and a guy you keep.

Mostly I don’t think Chevy is going to make huge moves until he sees how the team performs with a real hockey coach going into training camp. If things aren’t looking rosy after 10 games…

If you want to trade with the Jets, include Tokarski would be my advice. Might make that 2nd rounder a 3rd or 4th.

Marc10, 23 June, 2014

Robinson is a pipe dream. He’s in SJ partly for family reasons. That ship has sailed.

Boucher on the other hand is a smart, young and successful coach. And he can get a powerplay going. Plus he has a cool scar.

Un Canadien errant, 23 June, 2014

A consideration is always that a veteran like Tomas Plekanec has a NTC, would most likely not waive it to end up in Winnipeg. I think we could trade Tomas in a more glitzy location that’s not on his list.

I don’t think your proposal is close in any case. They wouldn’t accept it for Evander Kane on his own. If they flip him, it would have to be for a similarly young and talented player, we’d be looking at Alex Galchenyuk as part of that package.

Dustin Byfuglien has harmed his value though, he’s probably seen as enough of a risk that he’s no longer that prime asset who commands a huge return. Good thing Marc Bergevin and Rick Dudley know him from his Chicago days, they can get a pretty good read on who he is and what he may be worth now. Big, big talented righthanded defenceman, he’d be a huge upgrade on our blue line. I’d give a lot to get him.

bwoar, 23 June, 2014

I can’t see anyone wanting to be here without a compelling reason 2mins, no worries !

chilli, 23 June, 2014

I hope MB has the clause that Markov must get through that first Toronto game with his knees intact or the contract is void…..

Good signing. If we lost Markov and brought up the young kids, that would be fine, but we’d be a worse team than last year.

Still on the 2/3 year plan to be able to compete with the West.

We really need to see some improvement in Galchenyuk – – like if Chris Krieder can skate circles around us, he should be able to as well.

Tre

franco, 23 June, 2014

I think the habs need 9 or 10 defensemen to counter injuries, and yes keep Boulion. He never complains and can play big minutes for several games if necessary.

Bergiven says you can never have too many defensement and I believe him.

Marc10, 23 June, 2014

Florida isn’t weak down the middle. Nothing we have gets us Gudbranson. You have to wait until he’s a UFA for that dream to come true and then you’ll overpay.

Un Canadien errant, 23 June, 2014

Agreed. I notice that his contract is already up on Capgeek, and that it does specify that he has a limited NTC. Hopefully it’s the usual list of teams he won’t go to, and that it’s relatively small.

If we could get a veteran who didn’t list the Oilers or the Jets, we’d be in business. Those GM’s are always stymied by these clauses, they’re trying to get the job done, and having a hard time. Look at Craig MacTavish, who said he’d be aggressive and make substantial changes, he can’t, no one can horsetrade with him.

franco, 23 June, 2014

Remember they are ‘ready’ in your eyes.

That does not mean they are ‘READY’ in managements eyes.

habsr4ever, 23 June, 2014

Markov had us by the short curly ones for SURE. He did take a home team discount. My sources were wrong….I heard Bergy wasn’t going to budge on two years. I guess he caved in when he knew there was nobody else out there who could fill the void. Our Hamilton D are still two years away from being top 4 dmen who can play 22 minutes plus per night and Bergy knew it and so did Berezin/Markov. Markov is miles ahead of Boyle. Marky loves it here…..I think we over paid but all in all – let’s move forward. WE didn’t get soaked/screwed on this deal. It is reasonable and the way Marky works out in the offseason you know he will play the full three years and do well even in year three.
Let’s focus on Subban (8 years times $7.75M) now and Eller (4 years times $3 M).
Too bad it sounds like Gionta is coming back for 3 years as well. I just hope we make a move by trading Moen or Prust to give us some cap space and a roster spot. I want Brian Boyle or Steve Ott. Pretty sure White will be dealt for a late round pick on draft day. Unless Bergy wants to wait and see if he can land Boyle or Ott and THEN deal White as he is a RFA any how…..and I can see the offer sheets piling in for Ryan….lol.
Budaj deserved a fresh new start some place else…..we HAVE to deal him. Great team guy but $1.4 M for a back up is insane. Hopefully we can find a taker.
Going to be an interesting week here.

krob1000, 23 June, 2014

I think Gorges would be attractice to a team like Winnepeg…they could use more leadership there.

Un Canadien errant, 23 June, 2014

Yeah, that was a team and an organization in flux. John Tortorella was caught between two chairs, not having the horses to run and gun anymore, but not the big tough lineup he’d have preferred yet.

Un Canadien errant, 23 June, 2014

He’ll probably be more in the background, and Trevor Linden, who is polished and popular, will mostly handle the media, I guess.

krob1000, 23 June, 2014

I could talk to you for hours about this!!! I’ll be honest and admit I have been both the grumbling parent and the coach….this year I am going to just be an asst for a change ..be fair to both of my boys and it already feels like the weight of the world is off my shoulders!!! …and we won everything last year…went 5 rounds and won the OMHA’s…and I am still happy to be facing this year in a less stressful role…and that was Bantam hockey and not even AAA.

As for Gionta…it is the cost and direction that is the issue. He is a battle tested guy and the only thing that is of concern was his agents statement re need info on “his role”. His role at this point is the issue. If he stays then it will either be with Eller or Pleks ins shutdown type role….I am sure his strength will improve after two freak injuries but the price has to be right for team to improve. Where as Markov is still the teams 2nd best (best some nights dman)…Gio will be a 3rd liner…if he is willing to take 2 years for 6 million? then sign him. 3 years? no…and make the same mistake with 4 million like Briere? nope…I think if BRiere made 3 even noone would have complained…4 brings a diff’t set of expectations in the cap world and given Briere is already on the books in a vet role it would be a big burden to have 2 gys making elite payer oney who together will contribute less than a guy like Patches who makes 4.5

habs-fan-84, 23 June, 2014

Fair point. Frankly, in one of the last Liveblogs I mentioned how this was the most physical I had ever seen him play. Still love that hit on Lucic!

habcertain, 23 June, 2014

I look at this signing as Hammer, the sequel. Markov struggles in the D zone but provides leadership and PP help. At the end of the day the 3 kids all need a legit shot, not the MT one mistake and you are gone, we need to turn the page and incorporate our youth. Can’ t wait for the Gio signing and the same team shows up next year, groan….. PK is worth nothing less then $8m vs this signing.

John Q Public, 23 June, 2014

So tomorrow they will announce Gionta resigning cause nobody will be listening.

frontenac1, 23 June, 2014

Yes! Viva La Revolucion! Opening Day in Hogtown! It is a direct insult. The Laffs stink. They are not worthy. We should start the season at home against The Bruins. Saludos!

Stevie.Ray, 23 June, 2014

With Beaulieu and Tinordi looking like they will step into the NHL, our pipeline of defensive prospects is looking weak. Not a good draft for Dmen this year too. Hopefully we can snag 1 or 2 promising guys in the later round.

habs001, 23 June, 2014

The Habs have enough veteran and potential young D that the D will not be a problem as there are many combinations the Habs can go with…Scoring looks like a major issue..posters forget how bad the team was 5/5 prior to Vanek and the many games they had problems scoring more than 1-2 goals…Without trades or UFA signings the Habs improvement in scoring basically comes down to can Borque continue his playoff scoring in the regular season, is gallagher more than a 20 goal scorer, is Eller more than a 17 goal scorer and can Galchenyuk have a break out year…None of this is for sure…the other forwards will probably not score more goals than they did this year…and if Gion is not signed that is another 18 goals to replace.

Kooch7800, 23 June, 2014

Pleks is 31 and picks are a risk…our first this year is in a weak draft and is at the end of the first round. If you want Kane who is still young and has already scored 30 goals before you will need to give up something of more value. They would want Gallagher or Chucky most likely which I wouldn’t do but that is what they would want with some picks

Un Canadien errant, 23 June, 2014

I think it’s clear by now that Marc Bergevin and Michel Therrien value experience, that they want youngsters to earn their icetime, and not have it handed to them like it has been in Edmonton.

It was telling when in year-end interviews, Marc Bergevin would repeat that Jarred Tinordi and Nathan Beaulieu had progressed, and were “close”. He obviously doesn’t see a scheduled coronation in September for either guy, they’ll have to be ready to out-compete others to get a job.

They want to win, as opposed to taking losses to improve their draft position. They believe in leadership and veteranship, as was demonstrated when the GM spoke very highly of Brian Gionta at the end of the year.

So that Marc Bergevin re-ups his veteran d-man to the same deal he signed three years ago is not a surprise. We fans might have wanted it to be for a little less, but that’s not realistic for a player who was playing first-pairing minutes, one who wasn’t easing into a secondary role.

If we find that Andrei is losing his effectiveness, being displaced by some of the rookies in the next couple of seasons, we’ll probably be able to flip him at the deadline to a team looking to goose its powerplay. My preference though would be that he finish his career in bleu blanc rouge. Hoisting the Stanley Cup.

———————————————————————–My sources are unreliable, but their info is fascinating.–Woody Paige

Neither Therrien nor Bergevin can be dumb enough to think it would be a good idea to have Emelin playing on the right again. Either him or Gorges gets traded, an experienced RD signed for the second pair and the D looks quite good.

2mins4lookinsooogood, 23 June, 2014

UCE, pretty sure back in the day that Loonie had him all but shipped off to Chicago (under Montgomery Gauthier’s regime) as part of a package for Kane or Sharp …

I could easily see TP accepting a glamour posting, maybe next year when the decision about a new contract needs to me made

“Don’t crush that dwarf Alex Henry, hand me the pliers”

John Q Public, 23 June, 2014

FYI: “I can confirm that Markov has a full no-trade the first year and has a list of 12 teams he could be traded to for years 2 and 3. “

mksness, 23 June, 2014

welcome back friend. it has been a while

Un Canadien errant, 23 June, 2014

I think it was amply demonstrated in the playoffs who our real rivals were, and they’re not in Toronto. By comparison, the Maple Leafs meekly lay down and got run over by the Bruins in the playoffs in 2013. But I guess we have to cater to the biggest number of eyeballs in the country, as opposed to the game that most rational fans would have wanted to see, the re-match against the Bruins.

Sportfan, 23 June, 2014

I still think 2 years would have been better but I’m a big fan of Markov so happy to see him signed.

I was not suppose to post something after the one I just did this morning. However, after I got down at Atwater metro station and saw the news on the TV screen “Un contrat de 3 ans pour Andrei Markov.” I said WTF!! Is Marc Bergevin insane…???

I can’t believe it! #79 does want to retire as a Hab. Congratulations then to him for making this far. Now, for Andrei Markov, HE HAS GOT TO WIN A STANLEY CUP! To me, I would rather have him go to another team. Since MB was foolish enough to agree on another $5.75million/yr. – $17.25million/3yr deal, this is a pain in the ass!!

Ok, now that the Markov issue is now a done deal, we shall now wait on what’s about to unravel for the next 13+ days…

BTW, now they can add Big Joe Thornton in the lineup to add veteran depth (Sheesh, talk about 35+ something pro athletes!). Plus, I have a bad feeling that Gionta will sign here again…

RetroMikey, 23 June, 2014

What a crappy move by Bergy signing the aging Markov to a 3 year contract! Bad move!!!
I can live by signing him to a 1 year with an option but 3 years??
Next thing we’ll do is sign Gionta for antother 3 years.
This signing is going to hurt the club in the long term.

“We will win the Cup one day only with ? in the nets “

Un Canadien errant, 23 June, 2014

Yes.

Captain aHab, 23 June, 2014

And that approach is great as long as the vets do indeed outplay the young guys to earn the ice time. Not sure that’s what you always saw last year. If at the first mistake you bench the young guy while the vet keeps making similar mistakes and keeps playing, then I’m not sure what the message is. Same with PP time.

—————-
Prepare to be boarded!!

krob1000, 23 June, 2014

I was hoping for 15 for 3 yrs. I thought the rumours MB would stay firm on 2 years were indicative he would lowball the third year. I will tkae it though…knowing BOyle is 37 old and will likely get 2 yrs for smae money makes me feel good…especially knowing MTl used to have to pay a premium to guys.

secretdragonfly, 23 June, 2014

“Hoisting the Stanley Cup” – for the third consecutive year

frontenac1, 23 June, 2014

I miss Brad Staubitz. Great guy and a real crowd pleaser with his delinquent behavior.

Slackman, 23 June, 2014

I’m on my phone so I can’t respond directly but Lonnie proposed a trade for byfuglien and Kane.

I want both those guys on the habs but both have potential to be elite. Buffs fridge sized and was in top 5 in points for D men last season (correct Me if I’m wrong) and Kane has a ton of talent he just seems somewhat lethargic/attitude-y.

But if that trade would work then hot dawn. We win. But I doubt both those guys get traded for that little. Maybe something like pick plex gorges Toker and another prospect? But that borders over payment?

Un Canadien errant, 23 June, 2014

Where/who does that quote come from? I did a quick Google and couldn’t come up with it.

Always nice when someone is quoted, or the old “I’m hearing that…” post is posted, that a link is included.

on2ndthought, 23 June, 2014

Smart signing. Markov should be elite for a couple more years, then a good third pairing, 1st or 2nd PP D. It may also help sign PK for a 5 or 6 year term, knowing MB will take care of him as his career advances.
Also, knees aside, Markov is a young 35, considering how much time he has been rehabbing.
As far as Byfuglien is concerned: i think i’d love to see him on our right D, but isn’t MB part of the brain trust that traded him away?
“a cannonading drive”

HardHabits, 23 June, 2014

This 3 year contract @5.75M per for Markov gets my approval. Good job MB.

Loop_Garoo, 23 June, 2014

We don’t have to deal him, either him or Toker will end up gone, but there is no real market for goalies so the first team to offer you a draft pick for one of them wins. As both have to clear waivers to be sent down, we have to let one go.

alfieturcotte, 23 June, 2014

Bad, bad move. Markov is a 3 or 4 D at this point given age and skating ability. By next season with each passing winger or cough up at the blue line, the contract will look like an albatross.

Why the dynamic duo of MB and MT choose not to focus on Subban first has me quite puzzled.

Caesar, 23 June, 2014

@Loonie Do you think Kane and Big Buff can handle playing in Mtl with all the outside distractions? Cause I think they would excel here if they are able to keep the partying to a manageable level.

habcertain, 23 June, 2014

Weber is elite, Markov is serviceable, no longer a top2 guy

Captain aHab, 23 June, 2014

Well at some point you have to play the younger guys more in juicy situations to see if they can step up. Give Galchenyuk and Eller some solid wingers and see what they can do.

—————-
Prepare to be boarded!!

Arnou Ruelle, 23 June, 2014

Yeah, at least he can fight. Sadly, he can’t score like Jumbo Joe (during his prime hehehe )…

Un Canadien errant, 23 June, 2014

You’re right. I’ll edit my post.

John Q Public, 23 June, 2014

When there was turmoil Staubitz was the saviour.

Captain aHab, 23 June, 2014

Elite?

—————-
Prepare to be boarded!!

Loop_Garoo, 23 June, 2014

Signing Markov has nothing to do with whether or not the young guys get played, as has been pointed out a few times here. None of the young guys are taking Markov’s place, they are taking Murray’s, Cube,etc.

krob1000, 23 June, 2014

If they pari him with Pk he is set….he no longer has to be the guy carrying the pair but I can think of very few players who wouldmake PK a better partner. I was so deadset against it last year because no other pair could move the puck up ice.

mrhabby, 23 June, 2014

I cant see MB and his team thinking to highly of Kanes supposed character issues. I just don’t see MB taking a liking to Kane.

frontenac1, 23 June, 2014

Yes amigo. Do you think that The Kings would open up in Edmonchuck agaist the Oilers? Never!

If I was to be a betting guy in MB’s case, I’m feeling the next moves we’re about to see is possibly the PA Parenteau+Paul Stasny to MTL and a trade for Tomas Plekanec or Josh Gorges+a prospect or a draft pick this year (maybe the 26th).

Un Canadien errant, 23 June, 2014

Cool, thanks. Twelve teams, that’s not as restrictive as the list Roberto Luongo had for the Canucks (one), or the one rumoured for Ryan Kesler (down to three now that the Flyers got a centre in R.J. Umberger).

Arnou Ruelle, 23 June, 2014

Halleluiah to Staubitz. Amen…

Trollhunter, 23 June, 2014

WAYYYYYYYYYYYY too crowded on the left side (Dmen). Focus should have been on the right side cause after Subban there is not much. Everytime a player outskates him on the outside or beats him to the puck when its chipped in we can all think of this “great signing”… Other than on the PP I don’t see how this is a good move for the habs moving forward. There has to be a trade of some sort coming. If gionta is let go Gorges should be the new captain. He leads by example, is well respected, and is very vocal in the locker room (24ch). Therefore he should stay. Markov is there now too. That leaves one spot for Tinordi or Beaulieu (they can’t play on the right side). Emelin is not very good playing on the right side and since it is so crowded on the left I think he should be traded. No sense sending Beaulieu and Tinordi to Hamilton they have proven they are ready to make the jump. Don’t bury them in the minors for 3 more years because of this bad signing. I don’t like the look of this so far. Hope MB makes some moves.

S G

Un Canadien errant, 23 June, 2014

Another thought is that now that Andrei is sewed up, it probably means the end for Francis Bouillon. I was a little surprised that he wasn’t one of the automatics like George Parros or Douglas Murray who would be told they weren’t going to be re-signed, but imagined that he might be kept on the back-burner in case Andrei left as insurance, and maybe even a bargaining tactic to be wielded against him. Now that he’s locked up, and because we have a surfeit of lefties on the blue line in Andrei, Josh, Alexei Emelin, Jarred and Nathan, Francis is going to be squeezed out, and force one of our posters to mine another rich, hilarious vein of comedy.

To a much smaller degree, this may affect the negotiations with Brian Gionta. With Andrei in the dressing room, and more importantly on the ice, that’s another big piece in terms of experience, veteranship. It’s not such a dire need any more that Brian must return. Sure, different players, different positions, different brands of leadership, but it would be easier to forego the captain’s services now.

———————————————————————–My sources are unreliable, but their info is fascinating.–Woody Paige

Yup! especially if tinordi or beaulieu are buried in Hamilton or used every few games as a 7th dman. It might mess with their development. BAD signing.

S G

Arnou Ruelle, 23 June, 2014

Ok, to other news, I am happy that HHOF decided to induct Pat Burns along with Hasek, Modano, and Forsberg. Its been a long time coming for this to happen and a lot of delays had been put even while he was still alive and battling Cancer. Its a shame that he only got this induction 4 years later.

So much history and so much to honour. I think it is time for us Habs fans to make another plea to the organization and with owner Geoff Molson to have the following numbers retire:

#1 – Georges Vezina
#4 – Newsy Lalonde
#6 – Hector “Toe” Blake

habs-fan-84, 23 June, 2014

“Why the dynamic duo of MB and MT choose not to focus on Subban first has me quite puzzled.”

Subban’s contract will likely take the longest to get done. Naturally, he’ll probably be the last one signed (get the easy ones out of the way first).

Also, this is not a “Bad, bad move”.

NightRyder, 23 June, 2014

Who’s up for spending $750K of Molson’s money for Jon Scott? Can’t play at all, but it would be fun to suit him up against Lucic, Kessel etc.

Phil C, 23 June, 2014

I tried to be aware of how I felt when I first read the headline that Markov had signed for three years. My first reaction was happiness and relief, so even though it might be one year too long, I’m glad he is locked up for the next couple and we’ll have to hope he stays healthy and fit. I am pretty sure he would get more as a UFA, so I see it as a win-win.

Nice to get him locked up before free agency hits. One less distraction to deal with and now they can focus on finding a big mobile RH defensemen to play with him.

GrimJim, 23 June, 2014

so we can crack open a brew and set up the lawn chairs in the shade of the M1 cause it ain’t rolling this year…

NightRyder, 23 June, 2014

“Close” for Therrien means 31 years old with 10 years of experience. You have to let the kids make mistakes.

Trollhunter, 23 June, 2014

Ok so reading some comments below some people feel the need to make a trade on D. Some have suggested Gorges. If Gionta is let go and Gorges is traded who becomes captain? No one really sticks out in terms of leadership qualities…
I’d like to see a package containing Emelin and Pleks. That way some space would clear up on D (and with the cap after overpaying Markov) and Galchenyuk can move to center. Plus the return on that deal could be good. I would say DD instead of Pleks but I’d be shocked if any team pulled the trigger on that.

frontenac1, 23 June, 2014

Scott is a Stiff. Go for Jay Rosehill in Philly. Same price, better fighter and hockey player.

jmsheehy19, 23 June, 2014

So now the question on my mind is; do they finally move Emelin back to his natural side?

If so, then I have to imagine they’re either bumping Gorges to the right (where he has played before) or trading him.

NHL rank: points: 20th, PPP: 12th, TOI, 9th; +/- 30th, and a big reason MTL made the playoffs and conference finals . Always one of the smartest guys on the ice

“a cannonading drive”

Chris, 23 June, 2014

In comparing Erik Karlsson and P.K. Subban’s contract situations down below, I think it is worth pointing out that the Senators never low-balled Karlsson.

Karlsson turned 24 in May, and he now has career earnings of $13.125 million under his belt, plus whatever he was able to pull in of the generous player bonuses he was eligible for

P.K. Subban turned 25 in May, and he now has career earnings of $8.375 million under his belt.

The Habs told Subban that he had to take a crappy bridge contract to earn a big payday. He took the bridge, he won a Norris Trophy and established himself as a top-10 defenceman in the NHL and he is now salary arbitration eligible.

Expecting him to sign for the same kind of cap hit as Karlsson given that he’s already $5 million behind in career earnings despite being a year older and the cap has gone up is probably not realistic. Subban is looking to get paid, and I will be pretty surprised if he settles for less than $7 million per season, with $7.5-8 million being likely targets. We know that he wants more than Pietrangelo’s $6.5 million, and I think he will get it.

Chris, 23 June, 2014

I suspect Vanek is out, and his vote is the only one that counts.

Un Canadien errant, 23 June, 2014

I’d sign that deal.

NightRyder, 23 June, 2014

Any other Parros replacements?

Chris, 23 June, 2014

I did my coaching in soccer, but I imagine the downside of it is pretty similar to what hockey coaches deal with, albeit tempered by the face that parents don’t have the obscene cost of youth hockey to fuel their anger.

bwoar, 23 June, 2014

Troll….hunter? You sure?

The Jackal, 23 June, 2014

Hi all! Hope your summer is going well.

Just have a quick OT question.

I’ve decided to move to Montreal in September to learn francais at McGill – the program is 4-6 months, I may stay another semester after or maybe not. What are the best options in terms of housing… should I sign a year lease and sublet it after if I leave or look for something short-term? I want a bachelor pad in the McGill ghetto or somewhere close, heard good things about NDG and the plateau but I’m in TO and obviously don’t know much about these ‘hoods.

Any input appreciated!

Merci!

______________________
Hockey sine stercore tauri.

Un Canadien errant, 23 June, 2014

It was a salary-cap move, they also moved stalwart Andrew Ladd in the same trade. And Kris Versteeg in another one. If they’d had a choice, they would have kept all three.

Troy Brouwer was also traded, and Anti Niemmi got an arbitration award the team walked away from, making him a free agent.

NightRyder, 23 June, 2014

I’d definitely take Vanek back at the right price. If he’s not going to Minnesota, just maybe we can get him on a below-market deal.

New, 23 June, 2014

This team is lucky. What? Two days before agents and GM’s can talk freely about UFA Markov and Bergevin settle on a three year extension. Most other teams don’t get that sort of courtesy from a player. Speaks well of both parties.

Markov is right to sign. The Canadiens are right to sign him. Very pleased to see this.

piper, 23 June, 2014

Now that Markov is here for 3 more (which I don’t like), maybe MB moves Beaulieu.

HardHabits, 23 June, 2014

Just reading up and down the comments in a bit of disbelief.

How could anybody not like this signing?

Tell me. On defence, without Markov, who’s the veteran… and where’s the leadership?

*crickets*

This signing will undoubtedly help all the young prospects on D. Emelin-Markov-Subban-Gorges is a very good top 4. Tinordi-Beaulieu-Pateryn will get their opportunities. The season is long. Injuries happen. Depth is wealth.

As far as Markov is concerned think Selänne and Lidström for longevity and elite playing ability. I think you want to see a player of that calibre resigned and close out the career with the original team that drafted him.

There’s more business to attend to.

frontenac1, 23 June, 2014

So get this amigos. I could give a sh#t about soccer or politics but I vote Green in elections and I put some dough down on Green in the soccer today at the Saloon. Mexico Baby! 2 Zip! Come to Papa!

Un Canadien errant, 23 June, 2014

Thing is, you can accept mistakes, but progressive learning is important too. It’s not like the kids have nothing left to learn in the AHL, they weren’t tearing up the league down there. If the calibre is too high for them and they’re rushing everything and in a state of panic, they’re not learning.

Skill development has to happen in manageable steps, not sink-or-swim style, ideally. So when people harp on letting kids learn from their mistake, there’s a range there, an acceptable level, below which they’re better off going back to the minors.

NightRyder, 23 June, 2014

Predictions on Subban’s deal? I say six years, $45M

HardHabits, 23 June, 2014

Really depends on your age, budget and lifestyle. You can always rent a room in an apartment if it’s short term. Check Craigslist and Kijiji.

HardHabits, 23 June, 2014

Yes. If they sign him for 7 million at any term it will be a steal.

piper, 23 June, 2014

Bordeleau, Rechlitz, Gallant.

Chris, 23 June, 2014

Why would he do that? Markov does not interfere with moving Beaulieu into the line-up. The Habs desperately want 3 puck-moving defencemen…Subban, Markov and Beaulieu are 3 puck-moving defencemen.

Bouillon/Murray are not coming back, so that is Beaulieu’s spot there. If somebody gets injured, one of Pateryn or Tinordi get the call-up. I think the D is set for next season once they get Subban re-signed.

Bill J, 23 June, 2014

Correct me if I’m wrong, but Karlson signed his contract after winning his Norris trophy…. Couldn’t very well bridge a Norris trophy winning Dman could they? I cannot imagine Subban getting a bridge deal had HE won the Norris that Karlson won (IE one year earlier)

You have a good point though, can’t expect Subban to accept Karlson money at this point… But food for thought on timing of each players deals.

—

Go Habs Go!

Harditya, 23 June, 2014

Make that 3 zip!

frontenac1, 23 June, 2014

A whole new wave of enforcers are breaking in to the League now amigo. Stay tuned. CJ and I have got it covered.

Harditya, 23 June, 2014

7.5 M is a fair guess. I think he’ll demand 7.6 haha, his jersey number a la Crosby.

piper, 23 June, 2014

I hope he signs for the max 8 years.

NightRyder, 23 June, 2014

I remember the good, old days when Steven Fletcher was going to pummel everything in sight…

Habitant in Surrey, 23 June, 2014

Maybe sums of Yousz Galoots can edercate this ol’ codger on Pat Burns

I was living in Montreal His first year coaching the Habs, and I thought He brought badly needed ‘attidude’ back to Our Team …thought He was a good Coach,and entertaining behind the bench

…probably think of Toe Blake, Scott Bowman and Pat as 3 of the most memorable Habs Coaches over 60+ years of being smitten by the Habs

…but, honestly, I never put Him in the same league as a ‘genius coach’ as I do Toe and Scotty

…True, after His first year joining the Habs, I spent several years in and out of Montreal living/working in Asia, back and forth between Montreal, Asia, Vancouver, and back again to Montreal

…came back one time extremely surprised He had been fired, left to coach da Weeds of ALL teams, …then the Devils and, croak, da Beans

Pat Burns, a memorable character to be sure, a good coach, but with a short shelf-life, in My estimation

Sentimentally I can understand all His buddies around the NHL want to honor Him as a truly memorable, popular ‘good’ coach

But, was He ‘a great Coach’ ? …to be in the HHOF ?

Phil C, 23 June, 2014

Among league defensemen, Markov was:

20th in points, and 9th in assists;
11th in PP points, and 3rd in PP TOI/G;
He was on the ice for 41 PP goals, good enough for 4th;
He was on the ice for 110 of the Habs 215 goals;
9th in TOI/G and 7th in total icetime;
4th in blocked shots;

If this is not elite, then he is definitely the next tier down, whatever you want to call that.

punkster, 23 June, 2014

Good one Dave.

Release the Subbang!!!

Phil C, 23 June, 2014

Didn’t see your post. We were on the same wave length.

NightRyder, 23 June, 2014

The symbolic $7.6 is actually a pretty sharp observation. Given all our retired numbers, all the new guys will start wanting numbers in the 80s and 90s…

NightRyder, 23 June, 2014

If Dick Duff can be in there, so can Pat Burns.

DipsyDoodler, 23 June, 2014

Agreed. Hasn’t missed a game in two years. 0.5 ppg.

—–
Moving. Forward.

piper, 23 June, 2014

need more righties

DipsyDoodler, 23 June, 2014

Your best option is to get a couple of Francophone roommates. Best way to learn.

—–
Moving. Forward.

hamiltonbulldogs, 23 June, 2014

Not sure Markov was a smart move … Way too much money for a guy that is much slower than he use be … Yes he is good on the PP but after that he is a defensive liability!!!!

hamiltonbulldogs, 23 June, 2014

Does the signing of Markov leave room for guys like Tinordi and Nathan B ???

DipsyDoodler, 23 June, 2014

John Scott. Sign him for $460,000 but with a bonus structure based on how many Bruins, Leafs, Sens, and players called Kreider he puts in the hospital.

—–
Moving. Forward.

Habsbill24, 23 June, 2014

20M left with the Markov signing. Goodbye Gionta. PK probably gets 8, and the Habs need at least another big winger with some of the remaining dough. And we pray we don’t have a broken down Markov in a year or two sucking up 5.75M of our cap.

MARCH 25, 2014 AT 7:54 AM
Finding every way to stir up sh.. is pretty much my job description.

Mike Boone
Hockey Inside/Out blogger

The Jackal, 23 June, 2014

I agree that it’s baffling to see people balk at this signing, it’s a good move and Markov is a very good player despite his limitations – he has a lot of talent and experience that will help the team. After PK and Markov, the D is not that great.

But as to your question about where is the experience and leadership? PK has emerged as a young veteran leader, and Gorges is of course a veteran leader. While Markov’s leadership was a factor in the signing, the talent drop-off and loss of depth was the the most important factor in keeping Markov.

______________________
Hockey sine stercore tauri.

hamiltonbulldogs, 23 June, 2014

If JT and NB can’t crack the lineup and beat out guys like the shot blocking cheerleader AKA Gorges … We got problems !!!

Chris, 23 June, 2014

Absolutely true…I don’t think Subban was going to get $6.5 million on that deal back then because of the lack of leverage.

But signing him for $2.875 million cap hit was VERY low for a player that had already established himself as one of the better young defencemen in the game.

Pietrangelo did not get bridged…he signed for 7 years at $6.5 million per year. Letang got 4 years at $3.5 million per year on his second deal, but his deal was signed with a salary cap of $59.4 million in summer of 2010.

Basically, the Habs gave Subban about 75% of the lowest deal for comparable players of his age, and about 50% of what a player of his ilk has been getting from other teams. There are other guys that signed bridge deals (Erik John$on, Jack John$on, Duncan Keith), but I am not expecting a hometown discount on this go around from Subban based on the heavy minority.

Phil C, 23 June, 2014

I don’t quite get the Hartnell for Umberger trade. I guess it was a long term salary dump by the Flyers.

I have to say, I’m not looking forward to watching the Habs play a line of Hartnell-Johansen-Horton.

Chris, 23 June, 2014

2 years, $14-15 million or 8 years at $64 million. Depends on Bergevin’s mood.

DipsyDoodler, 23 June, 2014

This world cup is better than every Stanley Cup playoffs since 1993.

—–
Moving. Forward.

hamiltonbulldogs, 23 June, 2014

Hopefully we don’t pull off a Gainey and trade JT and NB …. Hmmmmm maybe like Gainey did with McDonagh … Dumb !!!!

JUST ME, 23 June, 2014

At least 95 % of coaches have a short shelf-life , you have the exceptions like Ruff and Trotz (Ruff and Trotz ! rough and tough !!! ok inside joke i guess…) but with limited results. To get the most from players and coaches 4 to 5 years is usually the average.

It `s just not fair to compare Burns with hall of famers like mister Blake and mister Bowman. Totally different era , styles and relationship player vs coaches. I m telling you that you do not play the same way when your paycheck will secure the end of the month. These days it`s not the same at all.

Today Burns would still be within the best of the league. No one like him to build a team from scratch . Totally deserved nomination .

Habitant in Surrey, 23 June, 2014

…that trade, IMHO, has made Columbus a serious team

piper, 23 June, 2014

If those two first rounders are to take Cubes and Cranks spots then the Habs better get rid of Timmons.

Marc10, 23 June, 2014

On paper both guys meet what we need. Big, tough, top tier players. Big Buf has a track record of poor conditioning and EKane of being an arse. It’s a big ask to insert two guys like that who either aren’t mature enough or just plain dumb into a lineup.

Now that being said, it may be over-blown and they could take us into contender territory… and while they’re at it, perhaps beat up a large Bruin or two.

So if you’re the Jets, who would you ask for? I’d want Patches for EKane and a combination of Yemmy and Beaulieu for Big Buf. I replace lost goals and I get grit and youth on similarly well-balanced contracts. I don’t believe I’d get this from MB, but that’s who I would ask for.

I you absolutely need to give me Plekanec (and there’s no way he waves his clause to go to the Peg IMO), it would be a non-starter. I’d prefer Eller and Gally thanks very much for eKane and Yemmy for Big Buf. 3 for 2 and youth on my side. Still want to deal?

hamiltonbulldogs, 23 June, 2014

If Gorges gets 3.9 million and Markov gets 5.75 million … SUBBAN should be asking for 8 million and guys like Doughty should be making 12 million … What a joke … As bad as the deal is with Markov … Briere making 4 million makes me laugh !!!!

HardHabits, 23 June, 2014

I am using it to hang a canopy for BBQ’s this summer.

hamiltonbulldogs, 23 June, 2014

Piper … I agree !!!!!

Dunboyne Mike, 23 June, 2014

One of the laziest sports-fan clichés is: “They’re all only in it for the money.”

When you say “only”, you exclude a player’s relationship with his team-mates, with his club management, his city, and his belief in the prospect of a Cup.

These are all things that would appear to have been factors in Markov’s decision not to leave Montreal and likely secure a fatter pay-packet elsewhere. Yes, ultimately contracts are about money — just not money “only”.

One of countless examples that categorically refute that wretched generalisation.

(Ok, cold beer now please.)

piper, 23 June, 2014

That worries me too. Don’t be surprised if they ask to be moved if they don’t make the lineup this year.

hamiltonbulldogs, 23 June, 2014

As much as I have to worry about MBs handling of contracts. … I worry more about out head scout – Timmons !!!

punkster, 23 June, 2014

Intrigued with Tom’s (Loonie) suggestion earlier:

Give Price his contract and set the bar that nobody else makes more. Karlsson is at $6.5 million per, give Subban the same as he and Price and call it a day. Then you get to extend Price first and set the bar again with the continued rise of the Cap.

How realistic would this be do you think?

Fascinating.

Release the Subbang!!!

Dunboyne Mike, 23 June, 2014

No prob — cap continues its upward trajectory.

hamiltonbulldogs, 23 June, 2014

Youth is the key … Don’t tell me that with experience … NB will be just as good as a 35 year old Markov for cheaper and JT will be better than the Bambie Shot Blocking Chearleader Gorges …. And much cheaper

Dunboyne Mike, 23 June, 2014

While ye mull Punkster’s poser below, mull this one also:

Is it possible that Mac Bennet is good enough to make Beaulieu into deal bait?

I have no idea. Don’t even know if I spelt Bennet correctly.

Dunboyne Mike, 23 June, 2014

You’re on a roll, hb.
Elaborate on Bambi.

MikeHabs, 23 June, 2014

Happy to see Markov back. 3 years doesn’t fully sit right with me, would’ve liked 2 but he didn’t take a raise and easily could have. I didn’t want to see him anywhere else and in a weak market, keeping him on board was a good idea.

Pat Burns, FINALLY! Should’ve been inducted when he was still alive. After he passed away they should’ve got him in there right away. Long overdue.

Markov and Gorges provide leadership but with Markov you get way more, as he is the senior of the bunch, is by all accounts an elite player and has been at the top of the league for years now. With Markov out too much would be on Gorges and Subban’s young shoulders. Those two make good Lieutenants but Markov is still the General.

I mentioned depth so of course I agree. And when I mention Selänne and Lidström I do mean talent. That Markov can be mentioned in the same sentence as those two attests to that.

Cheers!

MikeHabs, 23 June, 2014

Too bad its not realistic when you have dion phaneuf making 7 and Subban being a way better player

hamiltonbulldogs, 23 June, 2014

Not sure about Bennett … Seen a few bulldog games … Hmmmm … I’d take NB JT and GP over him

CBJ was even contemplating buying out umberger now they get a serviceable player for him. both have not so nice contracts.

Dunboyne Mike, 23 June, 2014

Dipsy appropriating MRonn’s big Nova Scotia spoon again.

If you were watching, Dipsy (and I’m trying not to but am), did you not want Croatia to win tonight and end up vengefully advancing further than Brazil for whom FIFA engineered the opening night victory?

(I guess I watched too much Roller Derby as a kid).

Habitant in Surrey, 23 June, 2014

I dunno …still think there is a certain exceptional ability in Your category that should be required for the HHOF

I take from this the criteria of ‘popularity’ can win One a ticket to the HHOF whether or not One was ‘exceptional’ in One’s talent

Listen, I don’t begrudge Pat being in the HHOF, I like Him as much as anyone else, but just saying

PrimeTime, 23 June, 2014

Why aren’t members of the Commentariat referred to as “Commies”???

hamiltonbulldogs, 23 June, 2014

Bambie … That’s what Gorges reminds me of when he engages with the opposition … His legs buckle and he ends up on the ice … BAMBIE !!!! …that’s why it makes me laugh that people call him a leader and he gets 3.9 a year for the next 4 years …. Ahhhh Gauthier !!!!

Marc10, 23 June, 2014

Beaulieu essentially replaced Frankie in the playoffs. Frankie may have played better, but the writing is on the wall. Nate is ready. He has the vision, the foot speed, the first pass. Frankie was full value, but it’s come full circle for him. I think he can easily find himself another job in the bigs based on his playoff performance (much like Mike ‘The Dream’ Weaver). Just not in Montreal where kids are ready to make the jump.

Good question as to who becomes the scapegoat now. It has to be francophone. That much goes without saying. My money is we’re back on the DD bandwagon with DannyB as a special guest star when Davey has a good stretch. And the coach is always good for a laugh… He of the ever-improving playoff fortunes, bank account and wardrobe… Must be taking his own personal development classes. The GM might also cop a serve if he fails to land a suitable replacement for Vanek like say Steven Stamkos…. Why oh why can’t MB just pull the tricker on that, eh?

The Jackal, 23 June, 2014

I’m looking for an area close to McGill, walking/biking distance, that is lively and not trop cher

______________________
Hockey sine stercore tauri.

Lafleurguy, 23 June, 2014

Sipping a Kilkenny, but had to put it down to repartee. Not intending to generalize, but the General probably could get more in the KHL.

HabFab, 23 June, 2014

“force one of our posters to mine another rich, hilarious vein of comedy.”

Genius, pure genius!

DipsyDoodler, 23 June, 2014

Who’s Bambie?

—–
Moving. Forward.

habcertain, 23 June, 2014

Not at all, he is not leaving money on the table, because he wants to be a team guy, no one would. MB laid down the gauntlet, last negots, PK gets his market value.

Dunboyne Mike, 23 June, 2014

Cheers hb, but disagree with your choice of Disney allusion.

Gorges does not dish out punishment, but he is extremely durable given the amount of punishment he absorbs in the corners and behind the net in order to gain or maintain possession.

Now what I need is a Disney character who calls to mind someone who can’t get the puck out of their own end. That would be my problem with Gorges.

The Jackal, 23 June, 2014

Yeah he is still the General for sure.
I’m happy with the signing and while I agree his talent is still elite, he is unfortunately limited by his knees. He is still a bonafide #2 D and elite PP QB but I really hope we can work in Beaulieu and Tinordi and manage Markov’s TOI better this year.

______________________
Hockey sine stercore tauri.

Habitant in Surrey, 23 June, 2014

NDG was a great place when I lived there for a few years, but a long-haul each morning if attending class downtown at McGill campus

…if only 4-6 months and You want to feel the pulse of Montreal, and part of a vibrant franco/anglo social scene, get a place as close to the Ghetto as possible

DipsyDoodler, 23 June, 2014

I dont believe anything was engineered. The ref was incompetent and couldn’t handle the pressure of the occasion, but I dont believe FIFA told him to let Brazil win.

The refereeing is not the best, but some of the underdog teams are really going for it. Mexico, Costa Rica, Uruguay, Chile all great. Iran and Algeria too.

Nice to see the unfancied teams giving it a go.

—–
Moving. Forward.

Lafleurguy, 23 June, 2014

Bambi and Thumper, “Diamonds Are Forever.”

DipsyDoodler, 23 June, 2014

The hands-down best neighborhood is the Mile End. You can walk/bike to McGill.

—–
Moving. Forward.

Lafleurguy, 23 June, 2014

Winnie the Pooh, although technically not a Disney trademark.

24 Cups, 23 June, 2014

Just got home and heard the great news for Hab fans.

Both acknowledgments for Markov and Burns are well deserved.

24 Cups

Dunboyne Mike, 23 June, 2014

What do you mean? If no one’s calling you a Commie, it means you haven’t yet posted the minimum 24,000 posts required for admission to the inner HIO Politburo and the official title “Commie”.

Better get busy, comrade.

HabinBurlington, 23 June, 2014

Agree!

Dunboyne Mike, 23 June, 2014

Salut Guy.
Do you mean EVEN more?
I think a lot of NHL teams would give him more.
Now pick that beer up again afore it gets warm.

ProHabs, 23 June, 2014

Subban – Emelin
Markov – Tinordi
Beaulieu – Gorges

Dunboyne Mike, 23 June, 2014

100% with you on the underdog teams — really liked Iran, ironically the US also (who still have a slim chance).

But Dipsy, how does FIFA end up assigning an incompetent, pressure-sensitive ref to the WC opener, the biggest showcase game outside the semis and final? I am CONVINCED Colin Campbell is somehow involved.

Habitant in Surrey, 23 June, 2014

The ‘ghetto’ is priced for Your demographic, and within walking distance

Lafleurguy, 23 June, 2014

Beer’s done, 440 ml with a stone inside just doesn’t last like it used to. Know you’re a rugby fan, but couldn’t you at least smile at England’s plight in the FIFAfest?

HabFab, 23 June, 2014

Nyet Comrade Mike.

Bill J, 23 June, 2014

Yesterday you called the members of the commentariat “losers”. While not adding ANYTHING valuable to the conversation.

Today is no different I see, nothing of value to share… Just some negative view you have of us.

Maybe the problem is you? I mean, us losers and commies are entertaining ourselves. What’s it to you?

—

Go Habs Go!

hamiltonbulldogs, 23 June, 2014

Thumper … Good one … Maybe Goofy ????

Dunboyne Mike, 23 June, 2014

What do you mean “no one would”?!

Aren’t you reading my rants, hc?!

piper, 23 June, 2014

Max, DD, Beaulieu, 1st round pick for Kane and Byfuglien. Habs may have to add a bit but it would take something like this IMO.

JohnInTruro, 23 June, 2014

Emelin shouldn’t play top line minutes and I think you have his positioning and Subban’s wrong.

hamiltonbulldogs, 23 June, 2014

Either way … We need 4 top D … And we don’t have them at this point

HabFab, 23 June, 2014

So negotiations are going good with Gio but those with Weaver, which appeared to be a done deal, have hit a snag (my money is on term).

HabinBurlington, 23 June, 2014

Same way every other league in the world has inadequate refs that get to ref big games and screw up.

This World Cup has been awesome!

hamiltonbulldogs, 23 June, 2014

But don’t worry Han fans … Just be glad we don’t cheer for the leafs …. Woooo hooo gotta love that Dion contract … That even makes MB look like a genius

Dunboyne Mike, 23 June, 2014

Believe it or not, was cheering for the next-door-neighbour. (Increasingly, Irish people are doing that — lots of English always do).

But oh my, how they sucked!

Re-post: 1966=1967 (guess who!)

HabinBurlington, 23 June, 2014

You are probably right, (that really hurt to say).

Bill J, 23 June, 2014

We have NO head scout called Timmons. And secondly, before making a completely ludicrous statement like this, perhaps you should educate yourself. You just spit on the head scout that has time and time again proven to be the best in the business of late.

—

Go Habs Go!

HabinBurlington, 23 June, 2014

So you’re saying MB making trades last year like Weise, Weaver and Vanek made him look foolish?

Dunboyne Mike, 23 June, 2014

Bill! Jumping to the conclusion that PT intends “commie” pejoratively, when it is equally likely that he is a leftwing extremist with a genuine affection for the term. Be fair now!

dduncan, 23 June, 2014

Bambi, eh? He reminds me of Gumby because his body parts go in every direction when he gets hit and he never gets hurt. It’s not his fault that the Canadiens are using a 7th or 8th defenceman on a top 4 pairing. Even the NHL preview magazines say his effectiveness is reduced with more minutes. The Canadiens never get it. They say, “We need more size and talent” but when they get it they don’t appreciate it so they settle for role guys with limited skills.

Dunboyne Mike, 23 June, 2014

My spelling?!
Or the quality of Bennett?

Я не понимаю, что вы подразумеваете под «нет».

Timo, 23 June, 2014

Eh…

Habfan17, 23 June, 2014

Tom Gilbert should end up a UFA, I don’t think the Panthers will resign him. He would be a good fit on the right side on the second pairing for a couple of seasons.

Habfan17

myron.selby, 23 June, 2014

I think what he’s saying is that he just signed a lease on a great new place under a bridge and he’d like to invite us all over for a house warming party.

Louisville, 23 June, 2014

I would have preferred 2 years, but what the heck. However, Markov does not have enough juice to make it past the 2nd round of the playoffs. The Habs better find a solution to this problem because there will be no cups in our future if MT decides that he will ride his veterans come hell or high water.

HabFab, 23 June, 2014

Hear you amigo. Not my preference, but until Geoff gives me and JB a vote… have to hope for the best!

Habfan17, 23 June, 2014

I would not trade Patches. Give them Pleks and Nygren instead.

Habfan17

Dunboyne Mike, 23 June, 2014

Hi John — even if (yes, Big Ifs) a) a summer of post-surgery conditioning and training restores him to pre-hit glory; and b) he gets to play his natural side?

Bill J, 23 June, 2014

Ok I get it, your in a humorous mood and are joke-posting today?

First it was spitting on the best head scout in the league of late…(and not knowing how to spell his name)

Now you are implying MBe is an idiot who requires the Phaneuf deal to make him look like a genius.

One could easily jump to conclusions (as you seem to be about Habs management) and conclude you’re not even a Habs (with a B, not a N) fan.

—

Go Habs Go!

Trollhunter, 23 June, 2014

Matt greene
Matt Niskanen

S G

HabFab, 23 June, 2014

The quality of Bennett and your translator

Trollhunter, 23 June, 2014

uhh… He is a leader… on and off the ice.

S G

Bill J, 23 June, 2014

LOL, hadn’t looked at it from that angle.

—

Go Habs Go!

Un Canadien errant, 23 June, 2014

w hy dod MB sing Georges and draft LL, loosers all!!!!!!!!!!

Dunboyne Mike, 23 June, 2014

True, true alas, Burly.
Mind you, happens MUCH less in rugby.
For me what has made it awesome has been, as Dipsy said, the rise of the little countries.

HabinBurlington, 23 June, 2014

There are rumours you may need to find some new material next season.

Dunboyne Mike, 23 June, 2014

Ha!
But there’s someone here who has suggested more than once that MB could end up as good as NB (Habsfan 17, maybe?).
What an interesting luxury if true. But you’re still saying nyet?

Trollhunter, 23 June, 2014

So where does that put Tinordi? back in Hamilton sounds like a mistake

S G

Trollhunter, 23 June, 2014

Get it????

S G

Bob_Sacamano, 23 June, 2014

Yes. It was a big mistake signing Bouillon and Murray last season instead of Gilbert. Stralman is another decent option.

There you are 17! Ears burning? I was trying to get further opinion on what I think is your suggestion that Mac Bennett could be Beaulieu’s equal, thereby making a package involving Beaulieu a possibility. HabFab says nyet. (Am I misrepresenting you?).

myron.selby, 23 June, 2014

Reminds me of my ex-wife’s kid brother. He would do the same sight gag about 5000 times in a row for months on end and his whole family would laugh every time. Surprisingly the humour eluded me.

Then again he was only 11 at the time so he may have grown out of it.

ABHabsfan, 23 June, 2014

Niskanen is a terrific player. It would be great to have him but I think we just signed our UFA. Someone has to go if Niskanen is a target

Although I respect your opinions, it baffles me you think this is a good signing. Other than the PP where does he excel?
This isn`t trolling btw it is a legitimate question.

S G

Louisville, 23 June, 2014

Frankly it is hard to get emotional about Markov one way or the other when I know MT is supposed to be around for another 4 years. What a colossal mistake. The one positive note on the coaching staff is headed to Florida. We get JJ and MT. The other GMs must be laughing their asses off.

HabFab, 23 June, 2014

Horrible! No French language Habs broadcasts west of Belleville for 60 games. RDS to be blacked out.

Well that sucks immensely!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Louisville, 23 June, 2014

Oh.

Marc10, 23 June, 2014

Ha! Ha! Ha!

Nicely done.

HabFab, 23 June, 2014

Paz is the big fan of Bennett.

Louisville, 23 June, 2014

He is a good mentor for the young Ds. If he can somehow get them to see 50% of what he does on the ice, he will earn every dime of this contract.

Dunboyne Mike, 23 June, 2014

Once, when I was teaching English to very small non-English-speaking kids, we did a puppet-show using the story to which you refer.

A 5-yr-old boy just arrived from Vietnam had the role of the sub-bridge inhabitant. Every time (and we toured our production to every class in the school) he would shout in a gruff, trolly voice:

“Who’s that wanking on my bridge?”

(I burst all my internal organs several times that week!).

Habfan17, 23 June, 2014

Niskanen will get too much!

Habfan17

HabinBurlington, 23 June, 2014

Yup, have to revisit the whole cable package in its entirety. This whole new cable deal just ruined my Hab viewing dramatically. And top it off, Kypreos is going to be their Star!

Bill J, 23 June, 2014

It’s a bridge deal, only not the same type that Subban signed a few years ago.

Yeah, could have been better with just 2 years. But a mentor is required for the youth, much like 79 mentored Subban (who has given Markov props on more than one occasion)…

Here’s another way to look at it…

Option A) Markov walks, rookie move up, and or MBe picks up another veteran Dman to fill the vacated spot…

Option B) keep Markov, perhaps a year too long… But worth the price because there’s simply was not a viable replacement for Markov, not on UFA and not in Hamilton.

—

Go Habs Go!

Dunboyne Mike, 23 June, 2014

Didn’t even need to click the link! Can still see it in my mind, and that immense yellow-bellied arsehole completely incapable of recognising that he had just been taken out by a big, clean and spectacular hit.

Dunboyne Mike, 23 June, 2014

(are you seeing what I’m seeing?)

DeadEnd, 23 June, 2014

I wish there was a like button for that one, Mike.

Dunboyne Mike, 23 June, 2014

Top advice.

Louisville, 23 June, 2014

It will get worse when Rogers figures out that it needs to up its revenues to pay for this deal. Look for specialty channel charges to see the Habs in future years.

Marc10, 23 June, 2014

Ditto. Textbook and just beautifully done. Stopped him cold.

Bogie Man, 23 June, 2014

Get ready for more crappy moves. MB is likely to sign Gionta. MB said he wants to improve this team and yet he signs players that obviously beyond their prime. This is just poor management. I am tired sitting around and waiting for this team to get better and all it does is just stand still….

Habitant in Surrey, 23 June, 2014

“Never Underestimate The Power Of Bad Press”

I said this yesterday to Trini, when He said Roger’s will do what they want, whether We like it, or not.

For all You Habs Fans outside the Quebec, Eastern Ontario, Maritimes ‘Lucky Zone’, let’s cooperate/work together to Raise Hell !!! …letters to the Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission (CRTC) …the Minister of Industry Canada …the Minister of Canadian Heritage (the CRTC reports to Parliament through the Minister of Heritage) …local MPs …internet tools (Facebook, Twitter, blogs, etc., etc.) to Royally piss-off Roger’s and embarass them in the media

HIO is a great place to discuss this, mobilize Ourselves and network

Don’t tell Yourselves there is nothing We can do

Don’t lay-down and take this s..t from Toronto and Roger’s

Let’s work-together to bomb Roger’s with Our disgust, and We ain’t gonna take-it up Our wazoos from the high-hats of Roger’s

There should be a nationally accessible Habs’ Channel …let’s make them create one !

Or, are all of You going to lay-down ?

A. Berke, 23 June, 2014

Does anyone know how west coast folks (BC) can get to see all 82 Habs games on TV please?
I have RDS but now have to find a combination of alternatives to catch all the games.
Inputs/suggestions will be greatly appreciated.

On another note, now look out for at least one (possibly more) of our younger D-men being traded away (McDonagh anyone?) but Habs will be more secure to participate in the playoffs the next two years (no, I didn’t say we’ll or we can win the Cup).

On his “right” side Emelin is a good and capable 2nd pairing d-man, but he isn’t a top 2 in my opinion. We often over value our players/prospects (I’m one of those people) but thinking Emelin is first pair material I would say is a pretty good stretch.

frontenac1, 23 June, 2014

I don’t get it Burly. But you know all about my burnt brain cells eh?

JohnInTruro, 23 June, 2014

Where has Tomi been these days?

JohnInTruro, 23 June, 2014

Norm’s post was pretty funny…

Habfan10912, 23 June, 2014

Should the rest of us be scared?

Bogie Man, 23 June, 2014

This is not a good signing. This is a soft signing made with obligatory feelings. Gionta will be next I am afraid. So much for making this team better. You do not get better by standing still. This will be another year of mediocrity at best.

Phil C, 23 June, 2014

The way Hartnell plays, they may regret this trade in a few years, but it looks great now.

The Jackal, 23 June, 2014

Holy moly…. how are any of the off-season moves to date mistakes, let alone colossal mistakes?

The Habs just lucked into a first place finish during MT’s first year and then lucked into the final 4 in the second year?

Hello?

______________________
Hockey sine stercore tauri.

Dunboyne Mike, 23 June, 2014

You can’t make that stuff up!

(Had to check how long it’s been since you posted, saw your long one on Lucic. With a pang of guilt I agree with you — in any other work environment, behaviour like that would prompt genuine concern. Cheers.)

HabinBurlington, 23 June, 2014

Was Gold, absolute Gold!

Dunboyne Mike, 23 June, 2014

My bad! I somehow read top 4 not top line in your post. Since Emelin at his best offers, at most, average offense, I reckon I agree with you.

Un Canadien errant, 23 June, 2014

Et, tu, James Duthie?

He just used the non-word “reluctancy”.

Competency, resiliency, intelligency, …

———————————————————————–My sources are unreliable, but their info is fascinating.–Woody Paige

Thanks for that UCE, what a great series. While I was very disappointed that we lost to the ordinary Rangers, that whole run was so fun and I am very proud of the boys. That series against Boston was a classic.

______________________
Hockey sine stercore tauri.

Louisville, 23 June, 2014

Luck and Carey!

piper, 23 June, 2014

I know but they probably won’t take them. To get a young power forward and a huge offensive d man you have to give back some quality players. Max and Beaulieu I think are and DD is at his peak value. The first rounder is a crap shoot at 26.

Phil C, 23 June, 2014

They are definitely trending up.

punkster, 23 June, 2014

Mediocracy or mediocrity?

Just wondering because I’m not sure which to call BS on…so I’ll play it safe and call it on both.

Release the Subbang!!!

piper, 23 June, 2014

unless Price is in allstar form again.

HabinBurlington, 23 June, 2014

UCe post about 3=4 hours ago.

Ian Cobb, 23 June, 2014

2014 HIO FAN SUMMIT GAME
WILL BE NOV. 8 VS GUY LAPOINTE (scout) & THE WILD.
We think this date will be sweater retirement night for Guy.

Ticket price pending a call to me from the Bell Center to confirm.
I will let you know when to order. They will confirm our group price for this game in the next week or two to me they said. They may approve and give me 250 tickets. We will see! Stay tuned to our HIO Facebook page for info.
White seats $90, Grey $68.

Mike, he was worth his 4m before he got injured, although his terrifying hitting display was limited even in that year and was all but non-existent last year (this year). He is great and fearsome when he is hammering guys but this could simply be a wrong side issue. I hope..

Dunboyne Mike, 23 June, 2014

Ian, you are a beaut.

Habitant in Surrey, 23 June, 2014

Good Ali, let’s work together

Now if We can get other HIOers out of Their catatonic-state, We can start the process

Anyone out there with web skills, or connections to Roger’s, the media ?

Let’s pull Our assets (and asses) together

Like a medieval knight (call Me Sir Shootsalot ) I have been crusading for Our Montreal Canadiens to retire Toe Blake’s number 6 …and add His banner in the rafters next to Our other former Greats.

Some of You may believe Toe was only a Great Coach, and as a Player, did not quite rate such an honour …and/or, do not want yet another low-number retired and unavailable to contemporary Players.

…maybe unaware Toe Blake also was a great hockey Player, won a NHL scoring championship, the Hart Trophy and the Lady Byng, …and led Our Habs in scoring for 6 seasons of His Hall Of Fame playing career.

Hector ‘Toe’ Blake was a key component with The Rocket and Elmer Lach on ‘The Punch Line’, which was the most feared scoring line of it’s day.

Most younger Fans understandably remember Toe Blake mainly as the genius Coach of the Montreal Canadiens at the cusp of Our Golden Era …the Golden Era that most of Us, whether We know it or not, were inspired to follow Our Habs as if it was ‘a religion’ unto It’s own.

Toe Blake’s name is on 11 rings of the Stanley Cup; …8 as Our Coach, …2 as a Player for the Montreal Canadiens …and one as a Montreal Maroon.

Toe Blake was the ‘heart and soul’ motivator Whom inspired and ‘showed the way’ to Our great Players of the time, both as a Player and Our Captain (3 Stanley Cups), …and as Our Coach (8 Stanley Cups).

His Legacy is greatly taken for granted by the Montreal Canadiens and it’s great Fans, I strongly believe, by the fact that Toe Blake’s number 6 is not represented yet in the rafters of the Bell Centre.

The TOTALITY of Toe Blake’s legacy and contributions to the Montreal Canadiens, as a Player and Our Coach, to it’s History and exceptional success, becoming the most famous brand in the hockey world, is way embarrassingly past the overdue stage.

I request all Montreal Canadiens Fans to join with Ian Cobb and I to right an outstanding wrong and oversight.

We would like to encourage all Montreal Canadiens Fans whom agree with the objective to make Their opinions known to Mr. Geoff Molson and the Montreal Canadiens’ executive board, …that a special game night to honour Toe Blake’s number 6 with a banner in the Bell Centre is long-overdue and should be held at the soonest opportunity.

If this is something You would like to make right, as I and Ian do, I provide the following mail contacts to send Your requests to ‘Campaign To Retire Hector ‘Toe’ Blake’s Number 6 !!!’

HIS’ Get It Up ! pre-game musical intro: http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=endscreen&v=R5mMRiiCwak&NR=1
_________________________________________________________
HIO’s BC Odd Couple: UCe, the supercilious stickler; and HIS, the stubbornly relentless ‘schismatist’
_________________________________________________________
What I WANT ! is an aircraft carrier at centre and nuclear destroyers on each wing going to the net like bats out of Hell !, …NO MORE rubber duckies !!!
_________________________________________________________
Habitant means PASSIONATE HOCKEYhttp://www.nationalpost.com/news/story.html?id=423049

Campaign to Retire Toe Blake’s Number 6 !!!

Bring Back Boone, and send Hickey to Hamilton !!!

…and, last, but not least:

Mike Boone MARCH 25, 2014 AT 7:54 AM
Finding every way to stir up sh.. is pretty much my job description.

Mike Boone
Hockey Inside/Out blogger

HabinBurlington, 23 June, 2014

Good work as usual Ian, thanks for doing this bud!

Dunboyne Mike, 23 June, 2014

Come on, Normand. The standard versions of those words just don’t have enough syllables. They need MOAR!

A. Berke, 23 June, 2014

Thanks Jim, I’m hoping too but had a rough time since the last Summit though (operations, chemos et al) but I hope we can make to see all the friends again.

Cheers,

Ali B.

Habitant in Surrey, 23 June, 2014

Good Ali, let’s work together

Now if We can get other HIOers out of Their catatonic-state, We can start the process

Anyone out there with web skills, or connections to Roger’s, the media ?

Let’s pull Our assets (and asses) together

A first-step, a web-page We can all sign a petition and make Our case ? …who out-there can host a page ?

Un Canadien errant, 23 June, 2014

Average posts, both of you are coasting.

Mattyleg, 23 June, 2014

Good call, Cobbsy!
Sounds like a great idea!

…It’ll probably give some fans a chance to see Vanek play…

—Hope Springs Eternal—

Habitant in Surrey, 23 June, 2014

God-speed Ali

Hope the worst is over

Mattyleg, 23 June, 2014

This is an excellent signing, and I love the fact that it also helps separate the HI/O wheat from the chaff!

—Hope Springs Eternal—

HabinBurlington, 23 June, 2014

Nice, how are you Matty?

Bogie Man, 23 June, 2014

You are calling bullshit on what exactly? Are you saying this team will be better with the signing of Markov and Gionta? I think I call bullshit on your ability to assess good hockey players.

Mattyleg, 23 June, 2014

Hilarious.

—Hope Springs Eternal—

ABHabsfan, 23 June, 2014

wasn’t Gallant in charge of the enemic PP? The PP had one play and when that quit working there were no answers. GG was hardly the straw stirring the drink IMO

What a start to game for Jays, in a real statement game after brutal road trip and recent injuries.

Dunboyne Mike, 23 June, 2014

You need to hook up with Paz. HabFab (who says Nyet on Bennett) says Ed is also a big Bennett fan.

Me, I know nothing.

Well, I do know that Gudbranson would be a serious catch. CJ has been banging that drum, too. But probably pie-dans-le ciel, non?

HabinBurlington, 23 June, 2014

Das ist schon!

A. Berke, 23 June, 2014

Unfortunately I’m not good in that department (web pages) hwvr I’ll be happy to contribute as best as I can.

Me thinks the better bet for all of us would be to find a combination of channels that will compliment each other in providing the full schedule at a minimal cost (but I’m not holding my breath)

FYI, I live in Sechelt on the Sunshine Coast.

Cheers,

Ali B.

Dunboyne Mike, 23 June, 2014

So when’s the stout?

Bogie Man, 23 June, 2014

You are so right mike. There is plenty of bs to go around…

Habitant in Surrey, 23 June, 2014

…deathly silence

…maybe I overestimated the passion of HIO

…that’s ok, carry on

Dunboyne Mike, 23 June, 2014

Inanity evasion, Burly?!

Mattyleg, 23 June, 2014

That’s more like it!

He’s an excellent defenceman, has been a big part of this team, and will continue to be for the next three years.
He won’t necessarily stay at #2, but as he moves down the depth chart, he’ll make those lower pairings better.
And if he gets injured, it’s not such a terrible buyout.

I don’t think he’s terribly injury-prone.
For the minutes he plays, apart from his two knee injuries, he’s pretty solid.

—Hope Springs Eternal—

HabinBurlington, 23 June, 2014

Pet Peeve:
Okay, I get it when people say Markov has slowed down, I get when people say he is getting older. I may disagree on these points, but I see the validity in that perspective and we all are entitled to have such perspectives.

But this whole stuff about his knees is getting older than Markov. He played a complete season last year including Olympics. The year prior he played as many games as schedule allowed during lockout in the KHL. Then he played every game available for Montreal that season.

Seems pretty obvious to me that his knees were finally surgically repaired properly, rehab was succesful. Yes he is battling age, the surgeries may have reduced some mobility, but the knees are no longer the issue. Many many players can recover from that surgery when done properly, when rehabbed properly etc……

Un Canadien errant, 23 June, 2014

That would be very strategic of P.K., to set himself up for another UFA contract at age 30. It would take balls on both sides to do that deal.

HabinBurlington, 23 June, 2014

You didn’t catch the START to the game?

Lafleurguy, 23 June, 2014

Olympics Buds.
Howdy.

Dunboyne Mike, 23 June, 2014

ok ok, get it, shhhhhhhhhhhh, dad’s coming

Loop_Garoo, 23 June, 2014

Well said. Agree completely

Dunboyne Mike, 23 June, 2014

This very day I had to delete what I thought was the Men’s Gold Medal game — it had stopped recording near the end of the first…

HabinBurlington, 23 June, 2014

Evening A! That gift you provided has been very very useful on the weekends my friend, it is always ready in my freezer. CHeers!

Dunboyne Mike, 23 June, 2014

I’m saying nothing until I see a medical update on AM from Dr Recchi.

HabinBurlington, 23 June, 2014

What you want me to admit I am a complete Pylon when it comes to hosting a web page? I can get you a server to host it, but all I can help with is hardware, how to use it, well I’m pretty much useless.

UKRAINIANhab, 23 June, 2014

Yep. Enough about how he has “1 knee”.

Habitant in Surrey, 23 June, 2014

We’re ‘almost’ neighbours …White Rock area

Sechelt is a lovely place

I was thinking of an on-line dedicated page for an on-line petition We can easily add Our names to …of course followed-up with letters to the those I mentioned

I’m not a wizard of the internet either, I was hoping some of Our younger Guyz here in HIO who are in the business may have some skills and hosting resources

If not, I guess, We are on Our own to write letters and do what We can

CJ, 23 June, 2014

Burly, not sure you can disagree that Markov is getting older. So much as I hate to admit, it’s a fate that befalls each of us. Some might age better, or should I say slower, but we are all getting older nonetheless.

Personally, playing baseball this weekend aged me more than I’d care to admit…..

Lafleurguy, 23 June, 2014

Markie is still of top 4 calibre. Glad he’s with us and not say, the Leafs, where he would make the same as Clarkson. The year Markie led the team in scoring drew forth more confidence from me than what P.K. has inspired so far, and hands down, P.K. is a perennial Norris candidate. Markie won’t see those days again, but as stated, top 4.

boonie, 23 June, 2014

Two wrongs make a right.

The MT extension was too much. But it’s just money. The Markov deal is too much. But it’s just money.

The most important thing a GM can do is develop a plan and follow it. Bergy’s plan is becoming more clear with each move.

He could have moved Markov, Gionta and Plecs for futures at the deadline. He didn’t. He held them, traded secondary asset for a proven scorer. Vanek scored in bunches down the stretch. With Max and DD, they formed arguably our best line in decades.

More important – he sent a BIG message. Win NOW! The team bought into the “future is now” plan.

We could have brought in a teacher coach. He extended Therrien. We could have let young, talented D men replace Markov. They would have developed and we could have been even better a couple of years from now. But for GMMB, two years from now is not now.

He is playing for today. Markov for 2 years at $5m-ish would have been nice. Who cares? If he plays great for three years, wonderful. If he doesn’t, Molson eats some contract. It’s not our money and it doesn’t hugely impact our ability to make moves. If Therrien doesn’t become one of the longest-tenured coaches in the league during this contact, it’s Molson’s money. Yawn.

MB picked a win-now coach. His win-now coach wants veteran win-now players. The plan is win-now. If it fizzles next year – or the year after – ok, change plans. For now, that’s the plan.

As fans, we have to view all moves in that context. Expect to see Gionta resigned – Bergy said so. Don’t expect to see key pieces of this team leave. Price is the here and now. PK is now and future. Max is a big-time NHL scorer, NOW. We saw glimpses of Eller and Bourque in the playoffs. If they don’t play to that level, Bergy will move them for now players nearer the deadline. Bergy signed UFA Briere for modest fourth line minutes. He didn’t give that time to developing players. He made the NOW move.

P.S. Burns more than deserved the HHOF. Too bad he wasn’t here to see it. I hope he’s enjoying it.

Dunboyne Mike, 23 June, 2014

Still, the observation was affectionately intended! I love coming here (and being the only one who never, ever posts any BS — there simply has to be someone in that role).

Habitant in Surrey, 23 June, 2014

Thanks for a ray of light Gerald

Whatever HIO members can do is what I am asking for

We can form a committee and designate resources of what is available

I don’t want to be a one-man band …prefer We can have a few members to put Our heads and resources together

…someone can host, someone can do page design, someone can be in charge of raising the visibility, others that know how Roger’s and Federal Government works can provide decision-makers, executives, ministers to key on, yada yada

HabinBurlington, 23 June, 2014

I dont disagree he is getting older, and probably didn’t explain my position well, but didn’t feel the need to explain that point. I still think he is effective even with age creeping up on him.

Many of us hope/believe one or two of NB, Tinordi, Pateryn, Nygren could be up with Habs regularly next season. In two seasons I think at least 2 of them will be up permanently. With that development Markov gets easier minutes. He also continues to get smarter, he is Lidstrom light in my opinion.

I actually fail to understand how many people love to trash a guy who is still very very good and only because of our lack of depth at present has been required to play so many minutes.

A much healthier Emelin next season, perhaps Weaver with us all season and the emergence of one of our young dmen and suddenly Markov may be able to get 2-3 minutes less per game next season.

He is still an above average dman in this league, in my opinion.

Mattyleg, 23 June, 2014

Near the end of the summer, for consumption in the autumn/winter.

—Hope Springs Eternal—

CJ, 23 June, 2014

Anytime bud. Let me know what works.

Loop_Garoo, 23 June, 2014

I can guarantee only one thing in this whole TV situation. The numbers have been analyzed to death, predictions, assumptions, statistical models have been applied etc etc etc, and the companies involved have done everything they can think of to milk every last nickle out of these TV deals, and beyond that, they do not care.

PK, 23 June, 2014

My two cents in terms of today’s news:

I like Markov with a two year term and hope that he will be productive during the third year (or he does not have a NTC).
Certainly, I think that the Habs would be less competitive come October 2014 if Markov was not to be in the lineup. So, I am that glad he was signed.

I hope that Beaulieu, Tinordi and even Pateryn get a chance this year. I would hate to lose young D to other teams, specifically in trades that come back to bite us. However, time to ship out Gorges? Emelin?

TV coverage of the Habs: Sounds like it is going to get pretty expensive for Habs zealots in Western Canada (which means anyone living west of highway 37, Belleville).
NHL Centre Ice is the answer?

Pat Burns: class act, deserves the recognition.

Ian Cobb: thanks for organizing the Summit.
One of these years, I will have to hitchhike across the country and join in the festivities.

It’s an issue of doing almost everything right. No, he cannot always be as fast as he once was, but he almost always makes the right play, in the right position, and if you watch him on the bench, seems to be a great in game teacher. It is not that he excels in a specific area, it is that he is better than avg in every area, and because of that, very difficult to replace

BriPro, 23 June, 2014

I haven’t read much on here today, but this is the post of the day.
I wrote on the first page that his hockey IQ will more than compensate for his knees. I figured it was self-explanatory.

I think we can all agree that he has slowed in his mobility, but I’m right there with you my friend on your Lidstrom lite-ness.

frontenac1, 23 June, 2014

Markov is the Smartest Guy on the ice. On either side. But he is losing a step. Glad he is still with the CH though.

punkster, 23 June, 2014

I suppose their recent season was pure luck then because a mediocre team would never have finished so well or made it so far.

If you were to remove your head from your assessment you may actually find it easier to allow oxygen to circulate up there…or down there, as the case may be.

Release the Subbang!!!

Habitant in Surrey, 23 June, 2014

Well, at this stage it looks like ‘a dog’s breakfast’ for the largest Fan-base in hockey

The cone-heads may have analysed this until the cows came home, but when You put horse-manure in, You get horse-manure out

As a Habs’ Fan, are You ‘happy’ with the horse-manure they are giving You/Us ?

Bob McKenzie’s list of draftable players, based on a poll of scouts, has us missing RD Roland McKeown by one slot. In #26, they slot in Nick Schmaltz. Yeah, I know it’s not a mock draft exercise, but sorry, I can’t abide. That’s as bad a name as Alfie Turcotte. Can’t have a Canadien with the name Shmaltz.

———————————————————————–My sources are unreliable, but their info is fascinating.–Woody Paige

Bennet has potential, but he simply does not have the skills or the size that NB has. I would not think of letting NB go unless it was a big return. Beaulieu won’t be PK, but I think we have a pretty good offensive guy there, who is big and mean enough to help out in other ways.

Loop_Garoo, 23 June, 2014

Besides the “he is/was a flyer” factor, I always liked Hartnell as a player. Would take him on my team any day.

Bogie Man, 23 June, 2014

I hope you are right. I really do..

Chuck Kept Calm and Carey’d On ®, 23 June, 2014

So by using Pat Hickey’s math, this season I’ll have access to 35 of 82 regular-season games, for the same price that I paid to have access to all 82 last season. What a bargain. Just like Rogers wireless: reduce the service and boost the price.

eric, 23 June, 2014

Are the ‘dogs a bad team which means bad draft picks or a poorly coached team?

HabinBurlington, 23 June, 2014

My Dad made a great Greiben Schmaltz for breakfast every once in awhile if my Mom was away. Loved that Schmaltz!

HabinBurlington, 23 June, 2014

Sp. should have been Grieben.

CJ, 23 June, 2014

I personally don’t have any issue with Markov. Management painted themselves into a corner, and left themselves with two viable options; sign Markov for three years, or let him walk, with no compensation. Of these two options, they chose the correct path IMO. My frustration is that we waited until this point to close the file. If the issue had been managed earlier, the Canadiens might have bargained from a preferred position. In any event, it’s nice to have him in the fold.

The organization and fanbase are somewhat risk averse. Returning Markov and Gionta, whom I’ve become convinced is coming back, should give the team a great chance to make the playoffs and win a round. However, I don’t see either as part of a Stanley Cup lineup. That’s just my opinion. Mitchell was an integral part of LA’s success, so it’s not beyond the realm of possibility that Markov could be a bit player on a winner, but I really don’t see it. Weaver, as suggested, Markov, PK, Emelin and Gorges all but guarantee a limited role for any of any younger players, especially when you consider the lack of depth on the right side. Is the book closed on Frankie, I don’t know? Ideally we could move one of Gorges or Emelin, but it’s practically an impossibility. I firmly believed one of Gorges, Markov or Emelin would be dealt, but that will remain to be seen. Maybe I just need to accept the fact that A, our younger players are not very good, B, we don’t trust our young defencemen, or C, a combination of both.

The Canadiens are the fabric that unite us all. The woven thread that brings us fanatics together. I don’t have a majic bullet, so my comments and opinions are of no higher authority than anyone else’s. I agree we are a better team today then we have been at any point in the past 20 years, but there is still a great deal of work ahead so far as I’m concerned.

Habsforlife 1959, 23 June, 2014

Congrats to AM signing!!! When does MB plan to promote the youth? Another five years perhaps? Maybe? Who knows?

Since DM will not be returning for next season. Who does MB put in the lineup for toughness? Right now as I see it……

Man that is a defence for disaster!!! CP will be run into like a tank coming full speed ahead without be stop. Chris Kreider and company knows they will be able to get away with it. Hands down? Who can stand up and be a man and be counted on? NOBODY!!

MB better find a bigger defensive core that is being put in place at this very moment in front of Carey Price. Habs will be run out of town and Carey Price will be left hung out to dry. Habs on the warp path!!

fastfreddy, 23 June, 2014

Good point eric.

CH = Les Glorieux!!!

frontenac1, 23 June, 2014

I can spew my nonsense on regular basis in support of your cause amigo. I hate those faceless suits.

Mattyleg, 23 June, 2014

Hey CJ,
I don’t really think that management painted itself into a corner, I think that they made it clear to Markov that they wanted him back, and that they’d negotiate at the end of the season for the little things.

I never saw Markov leaving, and I never saw management playing hardball with him and ‘negotiating from a position of strength’.

This contract is really more about how he’s played with the Habs throughout his career than anything else, and he deserves every year and penny he was given, in my opinion.

—Hope Springs Eternal—

fastfreddy, 23 June, 2014

Sadly agree, habsforlife1959.

CH = Les Glorieux!!!

Mattyleg, 23 June, 2014

The youth will come up.

No reason to be so negative.

—Hope Springs Eternal—

Mattyleg, 23 June, 2014

Can anybody give me the reason that SN would make RDS black out games?
I never understood the concept of blackouts.

—Hope Springs Eternal—

fastfreddy, 23 June, 2014

I don’t mind the Markov signing, I just think 3 yrs. was too long. 2 would have been good. I hope MT doesn’t overplay Markov, actually, I thought the Habs would start to promote the youth. They can’t go on with the same defence they had this year.

CH = Les Glorieux!!!

HabinBurlington, 23 June, 2014

Can you explain why Sportsnet pays Kypreos to talk?

SC-1993, 23 June, 2014

where’s the beef

Loop_Garoo, 23 June, 2014

If he moved them at the deadline, we likely don’t make the playoffs, or best case scenario, get swept in round one, and there really was no developing player to give Briere’s time too. Bournival played tons, Leblanc couldnt cut it, who else is there?

CJ, 23 June, 2014

Fair enough. I also think that he’s being paid for what’s he’s accomplished, not what he will accomplish. I don’t agree with this strategy, but I get it. Taking a quick look through capgeek, we are poised to become the most expensive defence corps in the league. Are we trend setters, or behind the curve?

Again, it’s just my opinion, but I haven’t yet seen this management team make a tough personnel decision yet. We could resign Frankie and some will say it’s a great deal. It’s never easy cutting ties. Like I said, we were basically left with no options. We likely won’t promote any of our younger defencemen, for lack of trust/confidence and lack of opportunity (roster spots). So, it’s the same thing. Will it yield the same result?

Loop_Garoo, 23 June, 2014

AAGGGGHHHHH! why do I still have to hear about Dr. Recchi four times a day?

Loop_Garoo, 23 June, 2014

I have deleted this duplicate post

Habsforlife 1959, 23 June, 2014

Sorry if I offended anybody here!!! Just making a point when Carey Price was accidently ran into by Chris Kredier and not one Habs player on the ice touched him when Carey Price buckled over while holding his right leg. I do not see anybody I mentioned above to step in and defend his goaltender. That’s my point I’m trying to get across here.

PuffNStuff, 23 June, 2014

Great, another three years of seeing Markov imitate a subway turnstile at rush hour. This team doesn’t know when to say bye, so what’s next Gionta for 3 more followed by the cube?

Phil C, 23 June, 2014

My guess would be both. There is very little there offensively, but the coaching decisions have been baffling at times.

Once Bergevin’s picks start showing up in the next few years, hopefully we’ll see improvement.

Omit, 23 June, 2014

You’ve been PuffingNStuffing way too much.

“Time wounds all heels”. – J.L.

Bill J, 23 June, 2014

Sportsnet (and TVA for French) hold national broadcasting rights. They don’t want to show all 82 for free, that would take a serious bite out of the NHL Center Ice revenue stream….

RDS won the regional (French) rights to the games not broadcast by TVA nationally.

For the next 12 seasons we get screwed like this, by the time this deal is done… We won’t remember we used to see every preseason game, every regular season game and every playoff game….

—

Go Habs Go!

Bim, 23 June, 2014

Congrats to Bettman and Sportsnet. Together they have successfully succeeded in screwing up Canadiens broadcasts outside Quebec and the East. This puts Canadian TV back 50 years. It doesn’t surprise me though because this stupid decision was okayed by an American. I’m canceling my RDS subscription tomorrow and absolutely will not be subscribing to the ridiculously expensive Centre Ice package. Looks like a long winter ahead being stuck with the loser Leafs.

Could you at least wait to see the final lineup before you give up on your(?) team?

“Time wounds all heels”. – J.L.

Bill J, 23 June, 2014

Because that joke never gets old.

—

Go Habs Go!

Loop_Garoo, 23 June, 2014

Again, Markov on the team has no bearing on whether NB,Tinordi, or Pateryn will play. Markov will be the number 2 guy, best case for the young guys is 3 or 4. They will get time, relax, and Beaulieu, Tinordi, Gorges and Emelin are all big guys.

frontenac1, 23 June, 2014

AAA Beef, Quality Booze And Schmeez. The way of the road amigo!

Bill J, 23 June, 2014

Depending on where you live,

Some will “see” him for three years…

…others will see him play less than 61 regular season games over that same span….

—

Go Habs Go!

Loop_Garoo, 23 June, 2014

Here is my take on the Markov signing. No one cares what we think, and we all suck, so thank god no one here is running the team. That said you guys are funny, and I am enjoying your posts immensely, even though you are all wrong. (it’s ok though, I’m probably wrong too)

Loop_Garoo, 23 June, 2014

thank you I was just looking for that.

Phil C, 23 June, 2014

You imply that it’s either “win now” or develop for the future. Why can’t it be both? Many of the teams that keep pumping out talent are also perennial contenders. As long as the Habs are holding on to most of their draft picks and young prospects, they are not mortgaging the future by trying to ice the best possible team each year.

As for development, I don’t see the NHL as a development league, that’s what the AHL is for. The only slot I would hold for a young player is Beaulieu’s because he earned it at the end of the year. Every other slot should be filled with a veteran. If a young-gun wants a job, he has to outplay the vet in training camp or go back to Hamilton. Handing young players a job without earning under the guise of development is not a winning formula, IMO.

Bill J, 23 June, 2014

We mostly believe in MBe, it’s just fun to speculate.

And bitch about the shaft we’re about to feel with respect to the national TV coverage for the next 12 seasons.

—

Go Habs Go!

habcertain, 23 June, 2014

Right, except it has made him slower, something you don’t want in a D man.

24 Cups, 23 June, 2014

Flyers trade Scott Hartnell to Columbus for RJ Umberger.

Is this deal about money or talent? Should the Habs have made a move for Hartnell?

24 Cups

SmartDog, 23 June, 2014

I think this is a bad signing. If he’s not your #1-2 Dman he doesn’t deserve $5.75 of cap space. And if he IS your #1-2 Dman he’s going to be worn out by Christmas.

Because he’s over 35, Markov can’t be bought out. Like someone below said, the team just doesn’t know when to say good-bye. Gainey gave away boatloads of guys for nothing. Bergevin seems determined to get the most out of Marky… to the last drop. But at what price?

And BTW, how’s that contract going with our REAL #1 Dman?

————————————-
Listen to the Smart Dog. He knows his poop!

johnnylarue, 23 June, 2014

You think Prust broke Stepan’s jaw “just ‘cuz”?

Chuck Kept Calm and Carey’d On ®, 23 June, 2014

I guess under the assumption that we’ll either watch a different game on another network or that we’ll pony up for Centre Ice. Well guess what: they’re wrong on both counts.

hitgurl, 23 June, 2014

Great. 3 more years of watching guys blow past Markov in the playoffs. That is, if he stays healthy. Frack.

CJ, 23 June, 2014

Hartnell reportedly wanted out. The Flyers get some salary relief as RJ’s deal ends after two seasons. Personally, I thought the Jackets did very well. Hartnell is big, strong, can score and plays a 200ft game. He’d have fit into our lineup on the ice. I won’t begin to speculate as to how he might have fit in the room, but we could have gotten two years out of him, then dealt him away for a pick or prospect.

That, IMO, is asset management. I support Bergevin, but I worry sometimes that as a former player, he gets too attached. You need to make tough decisions in this business and not everyone has earned an extension or place in the lineup.

Just my two cents….

Habitant in Surrey, 23 June, 2014

Thanks Front, every bit will help

Habitant in Surrey, 23 June, 2014

Too many Habs Fans are saying that Roger’s ‘don’t care’ what We think.

I guarantee You, …give them enough bad/negative press and publicity, and they WILL care.

Guaranteed !

Un Canadien errant, 23 June, 2014

Columbus were struggling trying to trade R.J. Umberger, were considering a buyout according to Aaron Portzline.

So to flip him for a usable player is a win, although they now take on more years on an iffy contract. The Flyers get a centreman who they hope can turn his game around, and are probably now out of the Ryan Kesler market.

———————————————————————–My sources are unreliable, but their info is fascinating.–Woody Paige

A Common HIO complaint is how it is poor management to let a player walk as a UFA for no compensation. However cap space also has value. The Habs let a lot of players walk in 2009, but it’s not like they got nothing in return. They were able to sign Gionta, Cammalleri, Moen, and Gill. Two players are still with the team and the other two were traded for assets like Bourque, Holland, Fucale, Geoffrion, and Thrower.

If Markov had retired or walked this year, Bergevin would be hitting July 1st with an extra $5.75M in his pocket and I am pretty sure he would spend it. So letting UFA’s walk isn’t really the end of the world as far as asset management goes, even if it is less than optimal.

CJ, 23 June, 2014

Take a look at all the number two defenceman in the league and compare their salary to Markov’s. Is there anyone higher?

Your last point is spot on though, $5.75 million just isn’t what it used to be.

habcertain, 23 June, 2014

Apparently his NTC was modified, hopefully we move him at a trade deadline for a team who is legit to make run, I just see three kids who need ice time, and a coach who likes to fallback quickly on vets. We proved last year we don’t have the horses and Price will only take us so far.

CJ, 23 June, 2014

Take a look at all the number two defenceman in the league and compare their salary to Markov’s. Is there anyone higher?

Your point is spot on though, $5.75 million just isn’t what it used to be.

Un Canadien errant, 23 June, 2014

Justin Bourne’s take:

The only logical thing I can think of is that the Flyers truly believe that Hartnell and Umberger are at least somewhat comparable (which is curious to begin with). They think both players are badly depreciating, so it’s better to have the guy whose deal is up in three years instead of five. They regret the Hartnell contract a year after signing it, (Hextall’s loud statement about his predecessor’s deal), and figured it’s better to be free in 2017-18 than 2019-20.

I just think it’s important to bear in mind that Marky’s contract is among the first of the “new cap era” when contemplating the horrifying amount of money this man is being paid to chase a rubber disc around an ice rink. Certainly, far more ludicrous contracts can’t be far behind…

Markov’s expected (warranted?) pay cut is accounted for by inflation.

HardHabits, 23 June, 2014

I agree on you on everything except I’m awesome.

SmartDog, 23 June, 2014

bravo, well put

————————————-
Listen to the Smart Dog. He knows his poop!

johnnylarue, 23 June, 2014

“In 81 games this past season, Markov posted 7-36-43 totals and was plus-12, while averaging 25:14 of ice time.”

You expect too much.

Chuck Kept Calm and Carey’d On ®, 23 June, 2014

Well, I’m but one little voice, but I put my money where my mouth is. Namely, I dumped Rogers as my wireless provider. When their customer rep asked me why, I told him that Rogers is screwing this Hab fan over by only be providing me 35 Hab games for the same price that I got 82 last season, as well as hosing me for the $150 or so that it would cost me to get Centre Ice to (hopefully) make up the difference. Not the reason the reason that he was expecting!

On top of it, Bell upgraded me to a Galaxy S5 for $99 (Rogers wanted $189 to upgrade) and gave me an extra gig of data per month, all for $10/month cheaper than I was paying for Rogers. Best of all, by Rogers contract was up for renewal within a month, so it didn’t cost me a penny to dump ‘em.

Man, that felt good.

habstrinifan, 23 June, 2014

Just woke up.. hectic day. Heard the news around 3:00pm. Just read the terms.. 3 yrs for 17+.

First reaction:
That rumour re P.K at 6.5 for what 7yrs was just that… a lil ol rumour. No way that camp accepting anything less than 7+ now.

3rd reaction:
If next news is Gionta signing my number #2 reaction is gonna be my summer solstice in terms of reaction duration.

4th reaction:
I must be an ungrateful SOB … my reaction to the Markov news is least about Markov.

I shall now read to see what the smarter folks are saying. Me… OK for Markov… for HABS… I dunno.

habcertain, 23 June, 2014

A little tongue in cheek, but PK does help inflate his PP stats, and defensively he is degrading by each game, I see him as trade bait come the playoffs. I equate him on a par with our Hammer time.

L Elle, 23 June, 2014

I’ll quote Carbo – “I don’t know why people bring up Markov’s speed. He was never fast to begin with.”

Chuck Kept Calm and Carey’d On ®, 23 June, 2014

When Rogers and the NHL announced this deal, they trumpeted that it would mean more choice for hockey fans everywhere. Well, they were right. I chose to take my business elsewhere.

CJ, 23 June, 2014

Fair points. The landscape continues to change. We will very likely be the most expensive d corps in the league next season, but will surely be eclipsed in the years ahead. I might not like our collection of contracts, but the timing, as much as anything else, has created the inflated cost.

johnnylarue, 23 June, 2014

I really think the “grass is always greener” syndrome is sort of overshadowing the fact that Markov would have been one of the marquee (see what I did there?) UFAs on the market on July 1st.

Honestly, Bergevin could not have done better for the same money if he’d looked elsewhere. Any move would have been sideways at best.

And as grouchy as the guy can be, I really do think Markov is perceived as a leader in that dressing room. He seems like one of the few players Subban genuinely looks up to, and there’s something to be said for that.

habstrinifan, 23 June, 2014

3mths from now you gonna be getting that “itchy rear end feelin” of someone being screwed again. All these companies screw us over… one way or another.

But I understand your point.

habstrinifan, 23 June, 2014

I would have liked Hartnell too.

johnnylarue, 23 June, 2014

Ha! I’ve had that thought myself. Like, wait, what year was it that Andrei Markov skated like Paul Coffey, again?

habstrinifan, 23 June, 2014

Cute… LOL!

Phil C, 23 June, 2014

Good point. The only downside is the third year, but based on his intelligence, he is a player who can stay productive even as his body starts to fail him, like a Lidstrom. I also think they could get more out of him with a better partner than Emelin, and put Emelin back on the left.

Chuck Kept Calm and Carey’d On ®, 23 June, 2014

Everything’s intertwined, so I’m under no illusion that Rogers won’t in some way eventually have their hand in my pocket. But at least I won’t be handing my money to them directly.

Phil C, 23 June, 2014

An offer sheet for Subban would be waaaaaay worse than arbitration, and PK can start talking to teams on Wednesday. The Habs would be forced to over-pay or let him walk, two bad choices. (Just to give you another thing to worry about.)

habstrinifan, 23 June, 2014

I really like your post’s STRAIGHTFORWARD conclusions. . And it might be spot on.

L Elle, 23 June, 2014

I had the same reaction when I heard it too- Ha!

Habitant in Surrey, 23 June, 2014

I don’t like 3 years for Markov at that money

To make it worthwhile Bergevin will have to pair Him with a more physical bad-ass with speed than We presently have

Let Markov be the ‘George Milton’ to a ‘Lennie Small’, for the Habs take on Of Mice and Men.

‘George’ s’ (not Gorges) TOI should be budgeted to 23 minutes max a game, so He has something left for the post-season …if there is a post-season

In a perfect World, a 2-year @ $ 5 to $ 5,5 millions makes sense at His age and declining foot-speed, but locked-into 3 years is very risky.

I’m happy Markov re-signed, but not for those terms.

johnnylarue, 23 June, 2014

With all due respect to Hammerstein–who, incidentally, really was a workhorse for us when we needed him to be–I really don’t think you can compare the two.

Get Markov a stable, natural right D (yes, Subban would probably do it), and I think you’d be seeing a top-15 D-man in all the relevant categories. I like Yemmy and think he still has some upside, but come on–if the rebuilt knees are seen as a handicap, how do you think Markov must feel having to put up with Alexei’s heinous mental flatulence on a nightly basis??

johnnylarue, 23 June, 2014

Would you have done $5 million x 3 years, Chris?

Habitant in Surrey, 23 June, 2014

Yeah Ted, but there is even less speed today than originally, or even pre-MCL

Mark C, 23 June, 2014

Agree with number 4. Still trying to figure out how Markov signing a less than likely market rate deal opens the PK Pandora’s box of doom.

L Elle, 23 June, 2014

I was all for trading Markov at the last trade deadline. I haven’t changed my mind, even with the team’s playoff success. There would have been solid/valuable assets coming back for a better future.

But, he’s here, and I don’t mind the signing, especially since for year 2 and 3 he has an LTC. Pretty reasonable on Markov’s part, knowing he could have gotten more elsewhere. And they can still trade him depending on where the team is, at that time.

This signing is a good thing, as long as the kids are integrated within the next 2 seasons. If the team thinks Markov will be a 1/2 D for the next 3 years, then that’s a different story.

RC-51, 23 June, 2014

I just heard that RDS will be “blacked out” in Ontario/west
I just subscribed to Bell fibe TV and am paying $15/month for a “French Channel Package” and the ONLY reason I did this was to get RDS for the HABS GAMES!! I will cancel this if something doesn’t change. If ANYONE knows of a petition etc. please post a link. Let’s make a stink and get this changed, we as people can make changes. Let’s get this done!

Habitant in Surrey, 23 June, 2014

Yup, in an instance …but I’m not Markov or Bergevin

habs_54321, 23 June, 2014

my thoughts on the markov signing…

i don’t like the 3rd year on the deal should have been 2 but whats the french expression? cest la vie?

we retained an asset that can easily be traded tommorow for a 1st round pick, i guess that is the question will that be the case in year 3 of the deal?

johnnylarue, 23 June, 2014

Yes–and amen to Yemmy on the left! I love the guy, but on Marky’s right it’s like having three surgically repaired knees in a single D pairing.

habstrinifan, 23 June, 2014

“Honestly, Bergevin could not have done better for the same money if he’d looked elsewhere. Any move would have been sideways at best.”

Very true!

johnnylarue, 23 June, 2014

I’ll grant you that when he gets caught on a bad pinch, he’s a goner.

But I think Carbo’s point is that Markov has the ability to be effective even as a below-average skater–and for that matter we’re still nowhere near Douglas Murray/Hal Gill territory, it bears pointing out.

The way I see it: we need Marky next year to make the playoffs. Year one, that contract is crucial. (I believe this team’s competitiveness is tenuous enough that it would have taken a serious hit without Marky in the lineup… even if he’d been replaced by a likely overpriced Keith Yandle or equivalent.)

By year two, I can see him sliding comfortably into a #3-4 role in terms of ice time, at which point his salary will likely be average for a #3-4 D.

Year 3 is a continuation of year 2, best case scenario.

Habitant in Surrey, 23 June, 2014

I’m presently trying to find guyz and girlz HIO members who can host a webpage to organize a petition and easily post Our names/signatures on-line

But have heard no interest or responses yet. The lone exception of Hab In Burlingtom (Gerald) who says He can host a page. But We need other net expertise to design and make the page functional.

habstrinifan, 23 June, 2014

Question is becoming more and more relevant: Whom are we NOT bringing back.

I would argue that P.K. deflates Markov’s PP stats. With Subban, the entire Habs PP centres around his shot: the forwards are almost an afterthought.

When the PP went through Markov, who had more freedom about where to pass the puck (cross-seam to Plekanec or Kovalev for one-timers from the top of the circle, across the blueline to Souray/Streit/Schneider, or cheating down low himself), the power play was generally a much bigger threat.

I want to give him credit for whatever role he may have played in the simultaneous, dramatic reawakening of Bourque and Eller. And let’s face it, his 19 regular season goals are, frankly, not insignificant in this sad-sack era of widespread goallessness.

But, as most hockey fans do, I look at the Los Angeles Kings. And deep down in my heart I can’t shake the feeling that, like it or not, this is No League for Old Giontas.

Habitant in Surrey, 23 June, 2014

The reality is there are few if any FAs or trades presently that could replace what Markov can do,

johnnylarue, 23 June, 2014

Hey-o!

Tell that to your property appraiser.

Habitue, 23 June, 2014

What the hell is this “blacked out”? Someone please explain this. Why is it OK to have all games in french one year but it’s not profitable the next. I am English speaking but I became a Hab fan fifty years ago in part to celebrate Quebec’s unique culture.
Now I know how Roch Carrier must have felt when he got benched in ” The Sweater”
This is ” perSEcution.”

habstrinifan, 23 June, 2014

I just signed it. Hope Habitant-In-Surrey sees it and it helps him. Or maybe he IS the one who opened the petition.

johnnylarue, 23 June, 2014

That rates as a bold statement around here, Chris, but I don’t necessarily disagree.

I’d sooner blame the forwards. There have been some decent placeholders over the years, but Kovy’s lethal wrister from the top of the circle has never been truly replaced. That was pure magic, that stuff.

Chuck Kept Calm and Carey’d On ®, 23 June, 2014

Signed…

Chuck Kept Calm and Carey’d On ®, 23 June, 2014

All Rogers needs to do is to look at the RDS playoff numbers for the Habs to understand just how many people they’re pissing off with this move.

Lets get this shit trending! I started this and just want to thank everyone who signs! Lets do this for HABS fans EVERYWHERE! Lets show them the power of numbers!! Any suggestions/help to make this grow much appreciated

Habitant in Surrey, 23 June, 2014

I signed it Dean. Good first step in the right direction.

But you will have to edit the text a bit

There is not much RDS can do about the situation. It is Roger’s that is ham-stringing access west of Ottawa, or wherever the Hell the dividing line is

The petition must be targeted at Roger’s

As well, the objective is all 82 games are nationally accessible, preferably via a created Habs’ Channel for Canada largest fan-base, coast to coast.

The mantra should be ‘Never Underestimate The Power of Bad Press’ to a corporation, even a monopoly like Roger’s

I signed the petition Dean, but let’s define the petitions message more bitingly at Roger’s

CH Marshall, 23 June, 2014

And with that in mind, I’ll bring up your reaction no.2 in your post below, about Subban going to arbitration barring you know what…

And in this case, I’m beginning to think the Markov signing is also somewhat an insurance policy. Insurance because we don’t know how it’s going to turn out with Subban. And barring an absolute total worse case scenario, we still have a puck-moving Dman in the fold. Insurance also because as he gets older, he’ll still be valuable depth as the rookie Dmen start earning their bigger contracts.

Some posters have pointed out that we’d be better off trading Markov for prospects etc. I think the reality is this: No Markov? No Playoffs! And MB and Molson know this. Apart from that, signing Markov is also about the cap. Management wants to make the playoffs but know it’s too much pressure on the Dmen rookies on a Markov-less team, so they would have to trade or spend just as much, if not more, to get another quality Dman.

In any case, I don’t know a damn thing about hockey, and those are my two cents lol

Habitant in Surrey, 23 June, 2014

Read My comment to Dean below Trin.

Timo, 23 June, 2014

Perhaps Stubbs and all other glorious The Gazette reporters can get off their collective rear ends and raise the profile of this issue.

RC-51, 23 June, 2014

We need help to get this to D. Stubbs/S. Cowen etcs. attention!

FormalWare, 23 June, 2014

Signed & shared.

—
WWSD (What Would SubbieDoo?)

habstrinifan, 23 June, 2014

My apologies RC-51.

I misspoke. Good job in taking the initiative and creating the petition. I hope it takes OFF.

@ Chuck Kept Calm and Carey’d On… I have avoided Facebook/Twitter(hate ‘registering’) but I will do so if it helps.

RC-51, 23 June, 2014

Thanks for signing and info. I know that Rogers now has a monopoly on hockey broadcasting in Canada. All I want is to try and get this into someones hands at RDS and hope that they can resolve the issue.

habstrinifan, 23 June, 2014

I suggest temporarily we make all our signatures a condemnation of the ‘blackout’ and a directive to the petition.

RDS has no weight to do anything besides work with what local rights it held pre the NHL agreement with Roger’s.

The only involvement potentially RDS may have at some future negotiation with Roger’s is any potential cooperation to partner on a ‘Habs Channel’

The purpose of a petition at this stage, is to shame Roger’s they have screwed Habs Fans, especially west of the RDS area of Eastern Ontario, Quebec and Maritimes

And, force them to realize there has to a recalculation for Canada’s largest hockey fan-base

Otherwise, not listening, will result in one large public-relations pain in the ass

If You focus the petition at RDS,, believe Me that Roger’s will be very happy You are putting the heat on RDS (who’s hands are tied) and not of Roger’s

Habitant in Surrey, 23 June, 2014

I posted too soon …good news, I’ll go read it now

…thank You Dean

sprague cleghorn, 23 June, 2014

Rogers is enjoying stepping on RDS’s signal, since it’s owned by Bell. RDS are obviously powerless to stop this. No broadcaster wants to be blacked out of any market.

… ‘ow could we forget that?

habs_54321, 24 June, 2014

coaching is a big problem with the dogs

Habitant in Surrey, 24 June, 2014

I think They are ‘listening’

Timo, 24 June, 2014

I see big babkis changing… Us, WC folks, will have to find some other ways to watch the games. For me, I will probably cancel all possible channels that have to do with Rogers and subscribe to NHL center ice or whatever it’s called. Or… there’s gotta be a way to by-pass the blackout.

Here is Rogers’ facebook page if anyone is interested in flooding that with some well wishing…

Timo, 24 June, 2014

Habs need to realize that Markov needs to become a #3 dman and the team needs to find a new #2. Bouillon was great at #2 but I am concerned at no news about his re-signing. Very concerned.

Habitant in Surrey, 24 June, 2014

I Read it Dean.

I think we can word it more targeted and more effectively.

I’m too tired to think right now, but maybe We can refine it a bit more tomorrow ?

One other thing I notice. I notice 26 have signed already, but the page will only show names of last 10 to sign, not all names.

Timo, 24 June, 2014

Tweeting is not enough. There has to be a front page article in The Gazette. Or at least front page sports section. This is BS.

Habitant in Surrey, 24 June, 2014

Doesn’t Roger’s have a partnership in Centre Ice ?

Illegal streaming seems the only alternative right now, but Roger’s probably has anticipated that and will have a way to block streaming.

The only real solution I feel is to create a manure-load of bad publicity for Roger’s. Some public media ass-kicking by Habs Fans across Canada, including those in ‘the Lucky Zone’ (East Ontario, Quebec and Maritimes)

Habitant in Surrey, 24 June, 2014

I think Pat Hickey already started the ball rolling in the media. Hope they can keep it in the news.

Denjen, 24 June, 2014

Hey everyone. On another note-Friday draft day is going to be very eventful don’t forget to tune in. Should be interesting with all the roster changes!
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joeybarrie, 24 June, 2014

Markov had the same amount of points as McDonagh. And a better plus minus.
we all wanted McDonagh so badly. Which I agree with.
Markov has been incredible for us and lead our team I points vs the rangers…..
Why does anyone not want him on this team???

another crazy comment. Markov is worth a first rounder but not worth a 3 year contract??????
what does that mean?
2 years means if we trade him next year he is an aging rental…
Not having Markov on our team would be a disaster.
we would have been ridiculously stupid not to have signed him.

Timo, 24 June, 2014

Oh, I didn’t know that. Well, then it sucks even more. There is basically no choice at all then. Here is hoping Rogers go bankrupt.

SC-1993, 24 June, 2014

24 cups – I would say this move is about they need a center more than they need a left winger. far as putting up points they’re about even.

SC-1993, 24 June, 2014

They should be more concern about offense than defense. we have good young defense waiting in the wings, offense maybe a couple of years away.

The_Truth, 24 June, 2014

Some would say the same goes for Subban

B, 24 June, 2014

Rogers isn’t blacking out any games, they don’t have that authority. Rogers purchased national rights (English and French) to Saturday, Sunday and Wednesday games. RDS purchased regional French rights to Habs Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday games. How can Rogers “allow” RDS (or even set up their own all Habs channel) to go national with games they don’t own the rights to? I understand the frustration some may have with the changes, but I don’t follow the logic behind this petition / demand.

Is Rogers supposed to spend more money to purchase the national rights to the Habs Mon, Tues, Thurs & Fri games from the NHL in English? Would they also have to purchase the regional French rights for those games from RDS? Would they also have to buy back the French rights they sold to TVA-Sports (Sat, Sun & Wed) for $120-million a year? That sounds like a ton of extra money they would need to spend.

What is certain there is a raving upset market not able, at least at this time, to watch Their Team play hockey …at least, nationally, west of Ontario

This is not a few Canucks, Jets, or Flames fans, this is a very large Montreal Canadiens Fan-base …and We don’t bloddy-well care the ‘reasons’ why …We want it fixed

This could be a negotiated partnership between Rogers and Bell (RDS/TSN) for all We care

That’s do-able, that’s possible …not likely probable …but possible

We know what We want …let Roger’s, TVA and Bell figure it out

Habitant in Surrey, 24 June, 2014

You’ve been fairly sedate on the Roger’s issue

B, 24 June, 2014

Isn’t the Center Ice package available west of the Hab’s viewing region? Won’t that provide Habs games to those folks outside of the Habs regional viewing area? I believe Center Ice only blacks out games within a team’s regional viewing area.

–Go Habs Go!–

sweetmad, 24 June, 2014

Signed the petition,called Telus today to check on how I can watch my HABS,they do not have the informatiom to help me at this time,as they have have not recieved anything from Rogers yet.
The whole thing is ridiculous,living in Vancouver and being 70 yrs old,they could be taking the highlight of my winter away from me,I can’t go out dancing all night anymore,not because I don’t have the will,but no longer have the joints.
I think I might go down to Rogers Arena with a placard and stand outside there all day,get the local media to come and interview me,it would be quite a human interest story,a 70 year old English grandma who had never watched a hockey game untill 2003,so upset about missing Habs games in Vancouver.
GO HABS GO

NightRyder, 24 June, 2014

New prediction: Subban signs a four-year, $30.4M deal ($7.6M per year). Gives him dollars, if not term, lets him hit free agency again before he’s 30 AND his contract expires the same time as Carey Price’s, setting up some interesting drama down the road.

Dunboyne Mike, 24 June, 2014

Sorry, Loop!

And Bill, the joke is so old and worn now that I almost can’t remember Dr R’s inaugural diagnosis! (But I do… Recchi richly deserves to be memorialised in crap humour in the exact same way as does Fat Bug-Eyed Walrus MacLean. Both are instances of utter classlessness.)

“The deal gives Rogers national rights to all NHL games, including the Stanley Cup Playoffs and Stanley Cup Final, on all of its platforms in all languages.”
So, national rights to all NHL games gets morphed into Saturday, Sunday and Wednesday? I call BS and I know that Rogers will recoup that $5.2 billion by a factor of (at least) two. In essence, Canadian TV viewers of the NHL will have to come up with about $10.4 billion over the next 12 years. That is a lot of money and it is a BIG gamble.
Rogers will develop ways, legal and otherwise, to block free live streams. They have to generate all the revenue they can in a 35 million person market.
All in all, it was not a good day for Canadian fans of the NHL when this deal was reached. Prediction: numbers of fans watching will drop early into seasons, especially when the Canadian team in the local market stinks. Only the Habs made the show last spring, so this prediction isn’t much of a stretch.

Dunboyne Mike, 24 June, 2014

Bonjour à tout le monde, et

Bonne Fête nationale!

The fleur de lys is flying in Dunboyne, Ireland today.

To everyone in la belle province today: enjoy, and know that there are sad or envious or homesick people — or all three! — thinking of you from around the world and hoping you have one for them and have an absolutely fantastic day!

Dunboyne Mike, 24 June, 2014

Hi Cal.
Sounds depressingly plausible and logical.
*sigh*

Captain aHab, 24 June, 2014

I’ve worked in PR before and here’s the aspect of the petition I’m not sure I get: from what I read you seem to propose a Habs Channel but if I understand correctly, NHL Centre Ice already offers all games. If this is the case, then Rogers has a simple out by suggesting you subscribe to that. I’m guessing that the cost of a Habs Channel might be more than people think so not sure that there would be that much of a cost difference.

And trust me, petitions are fine but not as a stand alone campaign. This would have to stay in the media for a good long while to get results. I worked on a school issue 4 years ago and we had a very long list of signatures but I don’t doubt for a second that it’s the creativity we showed in keeping the issue in local media for the better part of three months that worked. On its own, the petition, even though it was fantastic in terms of results, would have made the news for a couple of days.

I’m not sure I understand TV rights either. As someone mentioned below, would Rogers have to buy more rights to give you what you want? You have to get read up on these issues so that if media contact you at some point, you’ll know what to say. Is there contact info on the petition in case some reporter eventually wants to talk to you?

—————-
Prepare to be boarded!!

Captain aHab, 24 June, 2014

Cal, you forget about advertisers. They’ll be footing a huge chunk of the bill as well. It’s not all on viewers.

And look at the NFL. If there is one league that could go pay per view only and make a go of it, I think it’s that one and they still don’t.

If Rogers goes pay per view on hockey, I think they’ll regret it. And since the NHL is trying to sell the NHL Centre Ice package, not sure it would fly with them anyway.

—————-
Prepare to be boarded!!

Dunboyne Mike, 24 June, 2014

What’s this I’m seeing?

A new poll indicates that only 27% of non-francophone Quebecers feel their attachment to the province is strengthened by the Fete.

“Jack Jedwab, the association’s executive vice-president, said the findings are hardly surprising.

“They confirm what we instinctively feel and probably all know: the Fête nationale doesn’t hold high appeal for non-francophones … because their perception is that it’s become very politicized.”

Screw that! Take it BACK from politics. It’s a provincial street party — for the whole street and everyone in it.

Getting perilously close to quoting Joni Mitchell here (as in “You don’t know what you’ve got” etc). If some people on the street don’t feel welcome, don’t feel like celebrating, then something’s wrong, the event took a wrong turn off the autoroute.

Yeah, yeah — I’m a long-time expat, out of touch with how things are now, don’t know what I’m talking about etc etc.

The trade-off is, however, the perspective gained by distance. How I love and miss my province – amazing, BEAUTIFUL, complex, exciting place that it is. Politics should not be allowed get in the way of people attaching themselves to that.

Bonne Fête nationale à tout le monde, n’importe quelle langue!

Cal, 24 June, 2014

It’s Johnny Baptist day to me, Dunby. Calling it that other thing is cowtowing to the separatists. **He said, being grumpy.**

Dunboyne Mike, 24 June, 2014

[Irish eyes smile, but tentatively, like the dog lying in front of the tv who thinks he might have heard you say the word ‘walk’….]

Cal, 24 June, 2014

Rogers will be looking to profit on the investment. Canadian advertisers will only pay so much, especially if the number of viewers isn’t that great.

Dunboyne Mike, 24 June, 2014

Yup, it was still Jean-Baptiste when I last lived there. So maybe the name needs to be taken back, too.

But the date is the thing! You should see my house and car! Festooned!

Captain aHab, 24 June, 2014

Good morning and Bonne St Jean to you!

There’s at least one artist who thinks that the party has become too politicized too: MC Gilles. He has set up L’Autre St-Jean (http://lautrestjean.info/) because he says he’s tired of the political speeches. Tough for an artist to come out with a statement like that. It’ll likely cost him.

—————-
Prepare to be boarded!!

Cal, 24 June, 2014

It’s a Summer Solstice party that they’ve taken away from us Pagans. And I’m bitter about it.
I tried to participate, but when I hear that “Le Québec aux Québecois” chant go up I want to arm myself and join a local Canadian militia. Or do I just need some coffee? Hmmm, be right back.

Captain aHab, 24 June, 2014

I’d go pitchfork and lantern in keeping with the traditional nature of the party.

—————-
Prepare to be boarded!!

Cal, 24 June, 2014

Good for him. I have felt excluded (and I am french Canadian) since 1976.

Cal, 24 June, 2014

I’m shining mine up now.

Dunboyne Mike, 24 June, 2014

All excellent points. And if the media DO contact you, remember that their priority is a story, not to try to help (no matter how they come across — with apologies to HIO’s Founding Fathers).

Could there be a complementary strategy via consumer law? For all its many public service failings, Ireland has excellent consumer rights legislation and a very active office and website to support the citizen. Has Canada something similar?

Rogers will of course have sealed as many loop-holes as possible, but that doesn’t mean there aren’t others that Rogers is just hoping consumers fail to spot….

Great work, btw, HiS and RC51. Mobilising is the first step.

Dunboyne Mike, 24 June, 2014

Sounds fun, fitting right in with my recollections of 24s, fireworks, and girls in cut-off jeans shorts.

Habitant in Surrey, 24 June, 2014

…GOOD MORNING FELLOW OBSESSIVES !!!

……sorry ’bout dat

I tried to sleep, but I’m still more than a tad loopy over Roger’s messing with Habs Fans

I’ll try to get a bit of shut-eye in a few moments …thought I first would tell You our petition is up to 59 in just a few hours overnight

I tweeted Scott Moore Our link to the petition and asked if he would sign-it before trying to sleep …maybe he’ll be number 60, You think ?

But here is something more depressing, a Tweet of Dave Stubbs; “But RDS VP Vannelli tells me that as of now, those so geographically placed will get alternate programming or a blackout notice on RDS…”

Sure but in a soft market, would you think PPV would be less of a risk?

—————-
Prepare to be boarded!!

Dunboyne Mike, 24 June, 2014

(you can’t be french Canadian, Cal. Or if you actually are, with the way you can parody Shakespeare on a hockey theme in 2 minutes, then I am never speaking MY (beloved) second language again. What? You and UCE separated at birth?)

Maritime Ronn, 24 June, 2014

Good morning

The Markov deal will prove itself as an excellent deal for the Habs and Markov.

Details – and why there should NOT be a concern for the 3rd year, or perhaps even year 2.

It is being reported by several credible sources that the following clauses apply:
Year 1: No Trade Clause
Year 2-3: Markov to provide a list of 12 teams where he can be traded to (that could expand to more with Markov’s blessing)

What this does is give the Habs flexibility.
IF…by the end of 2015 or 2016, some of Beaulieu-Tinordi-Pateryn can prove they are credible Top 4, GMMB may be inclined to move Markov for some type of return. (which would not have been the case if he walked)

To date, Beaulieu has shown he can play 3rd pair and PP, while Tinordi has also shown he can play 3rd pair and PK.
Pateryn is an NHL unknown.

What no one knows is where their ceiling will be.
There is a monster difference playing against the other team’s Top 6….Think Malkin-Crosby-Tavares-Stamkos-Bergeron-Giroux vs playing against lines that resemble Moen/White/Prust.

Next is the warrior Josh Gorges, and another reason to retain Markov
His skating/lack of mobility/no offence is causing him to slip into that #5 Dman zone and PK specialist.

Signing Markov to that term and money was the right thing to do.
Tallon and Gallant in Florida would have had a superior offer….

Dunboyne Mike, 24 June, 2014

Yikes, HiS!
Scared me!
Thought you were asleep.
Here’s a glass of milk and some cookies.

Habitant in Surrey, 24 June, 2014

Some of My best memories were celebrating Saint Jean Baptiste Day …Quebecers/Quebecois know how to party

and, the best looking girls and women in North America add a Je ne sais qoui

Cal, 24 June, 2014

Schooled in English, Dunby.
I can still hear Roy now,
“Out damned puck! Out I say…”

Dunboyne Mike, 24 June, 2014

Merci, mon capitaine. Fair play to him. Every place needs artists who are awkward for the establishment. I hope he attracts some other kind of patronage so he can keep eating and working.

Dunboyne Mike, 24 June, 2014

Lost in admiration. And jealous.
Cheers

Captain aHab, 24 June, 2014

If there’s a way to get a list of media contacts in each of the major markets (at least) outside Quebec, that would be great. The Vancouver Grandma who posted below would indeed be great as a contact.

Then get a songsheet with the major points you are trying to get across and have everyone read from that and, as Mike suggested, give their local flavour; stuff like a retirement home that won’t be able to have its main Saturday night activity, a parent whose bedridden sick child is a diehard Habs fan and who won’t be able to see his team anymore.

BUT, the sticking point to me remains that NHL Centre Ice offers the games. If you come across as only wanting a cheaper alternative, not sure that is going to fly.

—————-
Prepare to be boarded!!

Cal, 24 June, 2014

The one thing that has many Canadians in front of their tvs every spring in the Playoffs. People will pay for it.

At least 1 year too long, but what the heck. It’s not like they’ll stunt all the Dmen waiting their turn, will they? I am waiting for the Gionta contract shoe to drop and, voila, same old Habs.

Dunboyne Mike, 24 June, 2014

Good morning, Ronn.
Very reassuring analysis. And we can couple it with Loonie’s (seemingly unremarked) post yesterday to the effect that expectedly significant rises in the cap over the coming three seasons will translate into no great cost in buying power for Bergevin as he continues his mission.
Sun-shine there?

Captain aHab, 24 June, 2014

I’m French Canadian too. I’ve been to a few of the St Jean parties and I grew tired of the politicos.

—————-
Prepare to be boarded!!

Habfan10912, 24 June, 2014

Morning Ronn, Cal and Mike! Bergevin made his decision to sign Markov early on. I think he did a wonderful job on both term and dollars. If Markov had hit the free agent market he would have most likely gotten 4 years and a ton more money.

Having an abundance of defensive talent which seemingly the Habs now have, is money in the bank, I was thinking that either Gorges or Emelin may be moved this off season but I’m not so sure now. Nathan and Tiny can play in the back end of the rotation for a season and that’ll be just fine with me.

Can you not avoid those parties and find ones more like those I remember? Beer, fireworks and cut-off jeans?

(if we ever meet at a Summit you might tell me about the Melville handle!)

Bonne St Jean!

Dunboyne Mike, 24 June, 2014

Morning Jim.
I think you summarise my feelings on this.
(Until the next forcefully persuasive poster happens along, of course!)
I understand your contribution to the Rogers Outrage is to invite all HIO posters to stay at your house in New York for the playoffs. Count me in!

Habitant in Surrey, 24 June, 2014

Post Script before I lay My head to rest;

There will be a ‘Campaign To Retire Toe Blake’s Number 6′ petition site announced soon. Already created. Just waiting to let the Roger’s thing resonate first.

Stay tuned !

RC-51, 24 June, 2014

Let’s do this!

Bob_Sacamano, 24 June, 2014

Just a question: When will the individual tickets for next season be on sale?

Good morning all! I posted something really dumb so I edited it out so most people won’t know how stupid I really am. Oh wait, you probably already know that. CHeers.

DipsyDoodler, 24 June, 2014

There used to be a great “multicultural” Fete St.Jean on St. Viateur street between Park and St. Urbain.

Unfortunately, it got too big. The last year they held it you literally (in the literal sense) could not move up and down the street.

—–
Moving. Forward.

Captain aHab, 24 June, 2014

You’ll find beer, fireworks and barely clothed women still but generally with speeches. I live in the Ottawa region so we tend to go take in some of the Canada Day activities instead of la St Jean.

For the St Jean here, they had Pagliaro and Offenbach…not exactly my cup of tea.

As for Melville, the film Moby Dick my (subtly modified) avatar came from was one of the first movies I remember being really impressed with when quite young. I thought about that exact screen shot when thinking of an avatar.

I haven’t been able to come to the Summit yet but will see if I can change that this year.

—————-
Prepare to be boarded!!

Captain aHab, 24 June, 2014

I still doubt they would do it though. Let’s say Tim Horton’s is an advertiser, I doubt they would want to be boycotted because Rogers goes to a money grab.

—————-
Prepare to be boarded!!

Dunboyne Mike, 24 June, 2014

Jesus said, Let any among you who has never made a stupid post cast the first stone. (paraphrasing).

Habitant in Surrey, 24 June, 2014

Weise already signed to 2 years Jim …it’s Weaver’s negotiations that has hit a snag I believe

Habfan10912, 24 June, 2014

Always an open invitation for you my friend. I hope they don’t check the residences of the signatures of the petition as I just added my name to HiS’s petition.

Habfan10912, 24 June, 2014

Gotcha, just went back and read it. Two minutes for being stupid. Thanks Chris and Mike.

Habitant in Surrey, 24 June, 2014

Except for this Roger’s project I very seldom open My Twitter …but going into it tonight there must be 50 tweets from Mike Weaver alone …He seems a little weird

…but, I should talk

Habitant in Surrey, 24 June, 2014

You sure ain’t stupid Jim

HairyHabist, 24 June, 2014

That’s correct. Weise has already signed.

And Weaver has decided he wants to test free agency.

Maritime Ronn, 24 June, 2014

A few other notes concerning the Markov contract.

Some HIO posters have stated that a +35 contract cannot be bought out which is NOT the correct information.

” The league confirmed to CapGeek.com in March 2013 that the over-35 rule “doesn’t apply either in the case of regular buyouts or in the case of compliance buyouts,” meaning teams can use buyouts to reduce or eliminate the cap hit.http://www.capgeek.com/faq/what-s-a-35-plus-contract

If a + 35 year old retires, the Club incurs the full Cap Hit
If a + 35 year old is waived and sent to the minors, the Club incurs the full Cap Hit with only $100K relief.

A + 35 year can be bought out.
In the case of Markov, a Year 3 Buyout would look like this as there are 2 different items:

Salary: Mr. Molson would be responsible in paying 2/3 of the remaining Salary or 2/3 of $5.75M = $3,833,333.
That would be paid out over 2 years, and not 1 year.
(Asssumption: The contract is not front loaded with even payments)

Cap Hit: Instead of the Habs incurring a Year 3 Cap Hit of $5.75M, that would drop significantly in the case of a Buyout.
The Cap Hit would end up being $1,9M for 2 consecutive years.

Maritime Ronn, 24 June, 2014

Cal

What do you see as the downside of the 3rd year?

In a trade scenario, the new CBA allows a team to retain up to 50% of Salary/Cap Hit if need be.
Markov can be bought out (see above)

Dunboyne Mike, 24 June, 2014

Cheers.
Ha! We were all — boys and girls — fairly barely clad, just shorts and Ts. Us anglos didn’t roll the cigs into our sleeves though! Beaver Lake.
Great choice on the avatar. Yeah, summits are problematic.
Ok, so while you sick polyglots can do Shakespeare and Melville, here’s my best (and previously posted at that), specially for today:

“Mon pays, c’est Weaver.”

[Charlie Brown face…]

Maritime Ronn, 24 June, 2014

hi Ireland
Exactly!
It comes down to Percentage of Cap.
Sunshine? Sorta…

Maritime Ronn, 24 June, 2014

Hi Jim

Right on.
GMMB has often stated that you never have enough quality Dmen.

Dunboyne Mike, 24 June, 2014

… which was probably to be expected given how good he looked in a high-profile shop window. I wonder how tightly MB intends to hold onto him.

When Alberta wakes up in a few hours, Timo will be happy to reassure us about the presence of Bouillon in the possible absence of Weaver. It’s great to see a fan so unshakeable in his devotion to his idol.

Habitant in Surrey, 24 June, 2014

…actually it is Dean’s (RC-51) petition …My idea, but He is the Guy to figure out how to do it Jim

Captain aHab, 24 June, 2014

If the LTC kicks in in year 2, then that’s better.

—————-
Prepare to be boarded!!

Cal, 24 June, 2014

Ouch! Ouch! Ouch!
Stop it! Ouch, ooch….

Cal, 24 June, 2014

He’s already shown ample times that he can’t play the minutes now. The 3rd year will see him in and out of the line up and slower than ever. Even with the cap rising, it’s not a good deal to me.

Dunboyne Mike, 24 June, 2014

Sorta in Ireland, also. Have a good one.

Cal, 24 June, 2014

The blaggards!

Habfan10912, 24 June, 2014

Your avatar got my attention. Is there a story behind it or am I once again missing the obvious?

Bergevin’s choice was 3 years or let him go. Because another team would’ve given it to him. Guaranteed.

At 35 Markov is one of the Hab’s top 2 Dmen. And I’m willing to bet at 38 he’ll still be one of their top 6.

Habfan17, 24 June, 2014

So, Markov and Weise are signed, Gionta, who knows if he will sign. Thanks to some friends here on HIO we have heard that the Weaver signing has hot a snag. Next up, Eller and PK! I don’t think PK will be an issue. he wants to be a Hab and I think he will sign for the maximum term.

There are a few UFA’s that could fill in for a couple of seasons. Players like Mason Raymond and Tom Gilbert. Neither of whom should come at a super high price tag like Mouslon or Niskanen.

With Bennett now graduating, I would not be against trading Beaulieu to Florida for Gudbranson. Maybe a package. It would fill the 2nd line right defence spot long term and would allow the Habs to trade Nygren to, perhaps in a package for a 2nd line power winger.

Habfan17

Dunboyne Mike, 24 June, 2014

What if his minutes reduce in inverse proportion to confidence and competence growing in the padewans?

Cal, 24 June, 2014

Sometimes I fell like I should just Lego of all my frustrations and believe that Everything is Awesome!
Disclaimer: Contents may be addictive.

Dunboyne Mike, 24 June, 2014

Meant to ask this yesterday, and Habfab17 includes him below:

Is anyone excited about Nygren? The feeling I get is, hopefully he hasn’t burned bridges with the Club over Hamilton, but that he remains pretty much Potential Only at this point.

Someone mentioned MAB (and not his hair) yesterday: is Nygren even MABish?

Maritime Ronn, 24 June, 2014

Weaver will go UFA on July 1st to see if he can get 2 years from somebody.

This is his last contract and he is not one that has scored anything big in his career.
His earnings stand at $6.5M in the past 13 Pro years.

HairyHabist, 24 June, 2014

In case you weren’t aware, the pic is Frank Zappa. A musician I admired.

When I create a profile, I always try to choose a name and a pic that go together. I’m old enough to have looked similar back in the day.

Unfortunately, Frank died in 1993 of prostate cancer. Despite his appearance, he never did drugs. He was straight his entire life.

Dunboyne Mike, 24 June, 2014

Ha! See? Should have been a teacher!

golferhab, 24 June, 2014

This is what I tweeted. My TV is with Rogers, My Internet is with Rogers, My phone is with Rogers, I’ll go to Bell if you blackout Hab Games.

John

rice, 24 June, 2014

If you present value the contract against the projected rate of the cap increase the second year is a bargain and the third year a steal if Andre maintains even a little of his impressive talent given what people will be paying for quality defenders by then.

Cal, 24 June, 2014

I’m not sold that a guy that doesn’t talk too much is a good mentor. However, I’m not out there practicing with him or seeing him instruct anyone.

Dunboyne Mike, 24 June, 2014

Hopefully he’s that other kind of leader/mentor: all picture, no sound.

HabinBurlington, 24 June, 2014

Okay like this post, now I can pull my trusty HP 12C financial calculator and use it on HI/O. Good point Rice, we should see Salary Cap escalate the next couple years as the new Canadian Cable deal kicks in (much to the chagrin for many of us who no longer get to see Habs games all year).

Habfan17, 24 June, 2014

I would have liked to see him back, but for one year around $1.5 million. I am sure there are other out there that can fill his spot.

Habfan17

rice, 24 June, 2014

I use the front row eu site to stream the habs games when I travel. You have to get through the pop ups and avoid downloading anything but it works pretty good and you can usually pick up the rds feed.

Habfan17, 24 June, 2014

I think Nygren can be a solid 2nd pair defenceman and would be valuable to the power play. I don’t know that he has burnt a bridge.
I just think, at this point, if Florida would trade Gudbranson for Beaulieu, there would be no room for Nygren for at least 5 years and he would be a good trade asset. Beaulieu did play with Huberdeau in the Q and of course Gallant coached Huberdeau! Maybe they would do the deal. Throw in Ellis if need be, or DD and get Florida’s 2nd round pick.

Habfan17

Dust, 24 June, 2014

uh. What do you think that petition is going to accomplish?
RDS lost the national rights to habs games. They can only have rights to show it regionly.

Hey maybe I should start a petition to let tsn show national games wednesday still.

It is what it is people. The nhl is big business. They are making a fortune from this rogers deal.
If you don’t live in the montreal local tv area and want to watch all the habs games you do have options to be able to do so.

CJ, 24 June, 2014

Good morning folks.

My oldest boys turns four today. I can still remember leaving for the hospital, late at night and in the pouring rain. He arrived the next day and our lives changed forever.

In a twist of fate, my grandmother (we called her nanny), had been admitted to the same hospital approximately three months before our son was born. The old soul was on her last legs. We had a few scares where we thought we lost her, but she continued to hold on. The doctor advised that, although there was no medical precedent, she believed she was waiting for something, or someone. We wheeled our little man down to see her on his second day, and brought them together a few times over the last two weeks of her life. I was able to get a great photo of the three of us, which I continue to cherish today.

That folks, is the circle of life. It was a great comfort to my mother to have a grandson in her life to help replace the void created by the loss of her mother. I’m not sure it’s fair to draw a parallel between life and death and hockey, but let me say this; the evolution of our team will continue. A new crop of draft picks will be identified this weekend while the old guard, Parros, Murray, Frankie, Gionta and Weaver may all move on. Four years ago we drafted Tinordi. In four years Tinordi might be among our veterans. I will always follow the career of big 24, if only because of the tie he has to our son being born the day before the draft. I know many of us have a special connection to players, which makes watching and following their progression all the more interesting.

Lots has changed in four years, and it happens in a flash. Walking, running, now riding a bike. It’s a wonderful journey, and we are so pleased to be on the ride. The hockey team has also come a very long way in four years. Like my son, they have a long way to go to develop further.

Just some random thoughts this morning…..

I’m off to enjoy pancakes and chocolate chips before work – the birthday boy’s choice, but I’m not complaining. Cheers, CJ

Maritime Ronn, 24 June, 2014

…not touching that one, Ireland

Dunboyne Mike, 24 June, 2014

Same.
And if you download AdBlock, you don’t have to navigate/wait for all those sneaky pop-ups. Nowhere near as good as TV, but beggars etc. I live off that site!
Cheers

I totally believe that the mind can bend the body to an extent. Wouldn’t surprise me at all if your son’s imminent arrival kept your grandma with you for a bit longer.

I’ve always found it funny when research shows that a new drug isn’t any better than the placebo effect and no one talks about how amazing the placebo effect is…it is basically the mind healing the body. And it is totally discounted. Likely because it cannot be patented.

Here is my reddit /r/hockey post to help with the petition. Hope it helps! Pass it on…

Dunboyne Mike, 24 June, 2014

Agreed. My father – mind supposedly gone, everything gone – waited another 24 hours for first (Canadian-born) grandchild. Held her, smiled for the first time in weeks, died soon after. Good for him, good for us — even good for her who, now 8, remains proud that she met him!

Dunboyne Mike, 24 June, 2014

Any vids to back up that Nygren hunch, 17? Finding it hard to have faith!

Maritime Ronn, 24 June, 2014

Regarding the possible replacement for Gallant, some chatter around that it may be…Pascal Vincent.

Who?

Pascal Vincent has been an assistant coach with the Winnipeg Jets for the past 3 years after spending 10 years in the “Q”…yet Vincent was a Claude Noel hire.

Noel was replaced by Paul Maurice last year, and may want his own chosen assistants in the future.
I do not know his contract status, and while lateral moves rarely happen, this one has possibilities.

HairyHabist, 24 June, 2014

At this point it looks like Weaver, Bouillon and Murray will be replaced by Beaulieu, Tinordi and Pateryn.

Sorta seems like a natural evolution for this team.

Phil C, 24 June, 2014

Good info Ronn. As an example, Florida bought out Kuba last year which was a +35 contact. They have $1.4M cap hit on him this year.

Ian Cobb, 24 June, 2014

2014 HIO FAN SUMMIT GAME
WILL BE NOV. 8 VS GUY LAPOINTE (scout) & THE WILD.
We think this date will be sweater retirement night for Guy.

Ticket price pending a call to me from the Bell Center to confirm.
I will let you know when to order. They will confirm our group price for this game in the next week or two to me they said. They may approve and give me 250 tickets. We will see! Stay tuned to our HIO Facebook page for info.
White seats $90, Grey $68.

Do not book your flights until the Bell Center confirms everything to me. They said in a week or so.!

Habsforlife 1959, 24 June, 2014

Just wondering when can a offer sheets be submitted on a RFA? Looks like Joniken and Niskanen from Pittsburgh will be testing UFA market come 1wt of July according to sportsnet east.

Ian Cobb, 24 June, 2014

Weaver won’t be going anywhere! me thinks!

Captain aHab, 24 June, 2014

Vincent was also HC of the Montreal QJMHL team that eventually became the Armada.

—————-
Prepare to be boarded!!

Maritime Ronn, 24 June, 2014

RFA Offer Sheets July 1st and the player must sign the Offer Sheet to be valid

Chris, 24 June, 2014

My mother spent 35 years as a geriatric nurse, and stories like yours were the thing that she had observed countless times. Frequently there would be a downturn, which my mom always believed was almost a last mustering of energy, followed by a short period of almost remarkable lucidity and mobility surrounding an important event (such as the visit of a life-long friend, a spouse or children), followed by the end.

As it turned out, my father went exactly that way. He hadn’t opened his eyes for days in the terminal stage of his pancreatic cancer. But the weekend before he died, when my brother and I were visiting, he not only woke up but was able to go outside and pick raspberries in our garden and sit at a picnic table and watch the bluebirds that, after 17 years of him trying to attract to nest on our property, chose that summer to finally deem his efforts suitable. He went back into his comatose state the following day just before my brother and I left.

The following weekend, my other two siblings and his best friend were visiting, and he had one more rally in him to to see them all on Saturday, and then he died on the Sunday.

Habfan17, 24 June, 2014

Not sure about video, but he has to be pretty good if he won best defenceman in the league two seasons back!

Habfan17

Chris, 24 June, 2014

The bridge is not only burnt, but blown up. He cannot be sent to Hamilton anymore, where he is persona non grata. A young, unproven player that cannot be sent to the minors carries little value to a franchise. That that player also expects to be playing everyday means that he will be dealt this summer. It is just a question of when and for what return. I don’t even consider Nygren as a Habs prospect anymore, because I honestly can’t see any way by which he ends up playing with the team.

HairyHabist, 24 June, 2014

Weaver has told Bergevin he’s not interested in negotiating a contract before he finds out what he can get in the free agent market.

That almost certainly means he’s gone. It’s very rare for a player to sign with the rental club after he declares free agency.

alfieturcotte, 24 June, 2014

Markov for ~$6MM is too long and too much. This move looking Briere like.

MB would have been more prudent signing Weaver for 2 yrs at ~$1.5MM and we would lose nothing at all from a defensive standpoint. Frankly, I might say that Weaver is more sound defensively at this point. From an offensive standpoint, I would have liked to see Beaulieu given a full spot, especially on the first PP…..

24 Cups, 24 June, 2014

It’s difficult to gage which players might go 26th or 27th in the draft which is why Montreal was still able to grab De La Rose and Facale last year.

With that in mind, three names that just might fit the bill for Montreal are Conner Bleackley, Nick Schmaltz or Brendan Lemieux.

Barring a trade, Montreal realistically only gets one kick at the can this year in terms of a legitimate pick.

24 Cups

Hobie, 24 June, 2014

I hope you’re right about Pateryn also being in the mix but I have a feeling they’ll sign another veteran if Weaver doesn’t return.

Habfan17, 24 June, 2014

I don’t recall who suggested it yesterday, but I think it was a great suggestion. Matt Greene could add depth to the right side on defence and some size. Not to mention Bergevin likes character and he has cup winning experience to help the young guys. I think if Bergevin could sign him and then move Gorges, the defence would be better. I still like the idea, if Florida would make the trade of Beaulieu and Gorges for Gudbranson and 2nd round pick this draft, Then Florida could draft Ekblad
Emelin, PK
Markov, Gudranson
Tinordi, Greene
Pateryn

Habfan17

Chris, 24 June, 2014

Trading Beaulieu would be an epic mistake. He is the only one of the Habs defensive prospects that is untouchable, for my money. Tinordi is simply a terrible offensive player, so he can never play on the power play. Pateryn showed some offence last year, but his projections have been pretty universal in predicting that he probably shapes up to be a third-pairing guy.

Signing Markov is a stop-gap until Beaulieu is ready to take those minutes in a couple of years. Gudbranson is a tough player, but he also has little to no offensive ability. If you are trying to acquire him, I would only send Tinordi the other way, and Florida would not do that trade because Gudbranson is a far superior player.

habs001, 24 June, 2014

TSN/RDS paid for regional games only..they did not pay for national games…TSN cannot show the Leafs nationwide…Same with RDS as it relates to the Habs..Not sure why RDS should be able to show the Habs nationwide when they lost these rights in the NHL bidding..Am i missing something?…The past season RDS paid $$$$$$ to have the rights to show the Habs across the country ..they did not pay for next seasons nationwide games as they lost the contract…Not sure what a petition to the cable companies has anything to do with this…RDS does not own the rights as they did not pay for it…

Habfan17, 24 June, 2014

There are a couple of others that may be solid picks, and could be available. Ivan Barbashev, Jack Dougherty, Johnathan Macleod. A little more risky, but could be steals, Andreas Englund, Ryan macInnis, Hunter Smith.

Habfan17

CJ, 24 June, 2014

Matt Greene is reportedly close to signing an extension with LA.

Chris, 24 June, 2014

Florida can draft Ekblad even if they still have Gudbranson. I don’t see why getting rid of Gudbranson would be a requirement. They are not similar players.

Gudbranson is the prototypical mean and nasty defensive defenceman, but his offensive potential is limited. Ekblad, on the other hand, is the whole package: he is big, he is physical, and he has excellent offensive skills. Teams need 3 defencemen that can move the puck and provide some offence to have proper balance. Gudbranson does not excel in that category, nor does Alex Petrovic, the other behemoth on their blue line that was being worked slowly in last season.

Ekblad, Kulikov and ultimately Mike Matheson would give them the kind of blue-line that everybody hopes to have. Kulikov and Matheson are both left-handed shots, meaning they can play with Gudbranson and Petrovic, while Ekblad gives the Panthers the option of an elite all-around right-shooting defenceman, one of the rarest commodities in hockey.

Maritime Ronn, 24 June, 2014

17

It’s being reported that the Kings are just about ready to sign Greene to 4 years

DipsyDoodler, 24 June, 2014

Exactly. Nonetheless, if there is a market I expect someone to come in and supply the product.

—–
Moving. Forward.

CJ, 24 June, 2014

I completely agree Chris. I think there is a much better chance that Nygren is dealt then there is him ever playing a game for the Montreal Canadiens. I said so following the end of the playoffs and stand by my comment. If there is a deal this weekend, I would fully expect him to be included in a package.

franco, 24 June, 2014

Weaver was quoted as saying this?

Not very likely, but, I would need some comfirmation.

A statement like that would not seem to realistic and Montreal would just let him leave.

DipsyDoodler, 24 June, 2014

Briere was washed up. Was last in time on ice last year.

Markov scored 0.5 points per game. Was first in time on ice last year.

But they are both hockey players.

—–
Moving. Forward.

Habfun, 24 June, 2014

CJ
That was both heart felt and enlightening!
I love to hear great stories like this of the rotation of life’s cycles and the sadness and joy we endure through our journey!
Happy Birthday to your young lad and may Nanny smile from above!!

It’s all about the CH

JF, 24 June, 2014

It is simply staggering that more than one third of respondents are opposed to the Markov contract. With this year’s thin free-agent crop, Markov would get both more money and a longer term on the open market. If we take Mark Streit’s four-year deal with the Flyers last summer at a similar age as a benchmark, Markov is worth quite a lot more than that.

The deal is a steal for the Habs. I know Bergevin would have preferred two years, but with the rising cap and Markov’s concessions on no-trade, I don’t see the third year as a problem. As someone remarked farther down, Markov is still one of our top two defencemen and in two years will still be among our top six. It’s simply a question of managing his minutes, diminishing them gradually as our younger players develop enough and acquire enough experience to assume larger roles.

The Habs are getting younger, and this is a good thing. But we still need our veterans. We’ve seen what happens to teams made up mostly of young, inexperienced players – the Edmonton Oilers, who for the sixth or seventh year in a row will get a top-five pick; the Florida Panthers, who have been rebuilding for at least four years and are still at the bottom. Without Markov and – dare I say it – Plekanec, I think we’d be heading into that kind of territory. Plekanec may very well be traded at some point, but I really don’t think this year is the time for it. If we get rid of our key vets, we’ll be running around looking for others in a couple of years to get out of the basement.

Chris, 24 June, 2014

I find that surprising given that he has been relegated to being more of a spare defenceman at this point of his career. He was behind Doughty, Muzzin, Voynov, Martinez, Regehr and Mitchell on the Kings’ depth chart this season. Brayden McNabb has also been doing very well in the AHL, and he has the size (6’4″, 207 pounds) to be effective in the NHL.

Markov was the top UFA defenceman on the market. It is amusing to me that many fans would be gloating at Bergevin’s shrewdness if he signed the top UFA defenceman on the market if that player were coming from another team. The grass is always greener…

DipsyDoodler, 24 June, 2014

Dipsy’s world cup report.

Only one significant game today: Italy-Uruguay at noon (Eastern).

Winner progresses to the next round. A tie favours Italy. Costa Rica already qualified. Dipsy’s line: look for a 0-0 final score.

Italy have been a disappointment, like most European teams it has to be said. Against Costa Rica they made more back passes to their keeper than forward passes.

Uruguay have defensive weaknesses but they also have the most exciting player of the world cup: Boone’s Liverpool Reds’ Luis Suarez (will probably move to Spain this summer).

In the other group, barring a weird outcome, Ivory Coast and Columbia will progress.

—–
Moving. Forward.

HairyHabist, 24 June, 2014

Sportsnet owns the rights to broadcast Habs games nationally. Starting next season thru the next 10yrs.

DipsyDoodler, 24 June, 2014

These are the same people who think David Desharnais is preventing us from having Ryan Getzlaf on the powerplay. They do not live in the real world.

—–
Moving. Forward.

123456, 24 June, 2014

True Dat. You need 7 NHL defensemen to start the season. I don’t consider any of the youngins regular NHL players yet although I hope 2 of them make the team to stay.

Paz, 24 June, 2014

Matheson is a local. Know him well. His skating is off the charts, smooth as silk. I believe he will captain the Boston College team next year, his third season, even though he won’t be 21 until 2015.

Ekblad? What can I say? Total package. Outstanding.

Ironic, but Florida should be a strong team in 3 or 4 years. They have some terrific young talent and it’s “Blue Chip” talent for sure.

Barkov, Bjugstad, Huberdeau, and the defencemen. Very impressive.

They will win and win often with that talent.

franco, 24 June, 2014

Yes, Chris, the mysteries of Life. The only thing I can respond to is your reference to ‘the end’. Then ‘end as we know it, in our limited knowledge of life and its mysteries, it may very well be the ‘beginning’.

Know one knows, church, science….none, the only way to know is to follow your life, where it takes you, and when the end comes, it might be like nature, just preparing for a ‘new beginning’.

HairyHabist, 24 June, 2014

If you were listening to TSN690 5 minutes ago you heard Darren Dreger confirm Weaver intends to test free agency.

Habfun, 24 June, 2014

He was a strange fella but an excellent musician “Hot Rats” anyone!

It’s all about the CH

Paz, 24 June, 2014

I agree about Markov, disagree about Plekanec.

CJ, 24 June, 2014

Good morning Jane.

I hope we are getting younger, but I am not entirely sure that is the case. The core will be a year older and aside from maybe one of Beaulieu, Tinordi or Pateryn, do we see any younger players replacing the veterans? We were among the oldest teams in the regular season last year and the oldest in the playoffs. IMO, it showed as we hit the wall against New York. If we resign Gionta and Weaver, where would room exist to graduate a younger player? Even if we do not resign either Weaver or Gionta, my guess is we find a way to replace both with veterans. Therien loves the old guard.

I agree, you need a mix of youth and experience throughout the linuep. That said, using the Kings as the model, they are younger. Much younger. So far as I am concerned, we find a way to create an attachment to our players, which is very concerning in the modern NHL. This has nothing to do with Markov. I can live with the signing. I don’t like the extension, but I agree with many of those on the other side of the fence and respect their opinions. If however we resign Gionta, well, I will reserve my frustration for the signing…..

Habfan17, 24 June, 2014

I did not say it would be a requirement, just a loss they can afford if it means adding a solid long term left defenceman ( Beaulieu ), and since they can draft Ekblad to replace Gudbranson on the right. Having Gorges would help them get to the cap floor and add experience at a decent age.

Habfan17

habs001, 24 June, 2014

12 year contract

franco, 24 June, 2014

Yes, the operative word here is ‘IF’. ‘If’ is a small word, but carries no guarantees, just questions. So in order to find out where ‘if’ will take you, you have to fold or go all in and see where ‘if?’ takes you.

CJ, 24 June, 2014

Agreed. We won’t win with DD and Pleks as our number 1 and number 2 centres. So long as we are satisfied with making the playoffs and winning one round, then nothing will change.

This season was a wonderful ride, but at the end of the day, we were only half way towards our goal of winning a Stanley Cup. When the going got tough, Pleks became invisible. Unfortunately this happens far too often. Regarding DD, look at his point total versus non playoff teams versus playoff teams. I really like the kid and think he tries hard every shift, but he is NOT a number one centre.

Paz, 24 June, 2014

Watched the USA game and I could not believe that their defence could not stop that last minute run up the field??

Why don’t soccer teams just fall back into a total prevent defence, keep everyone in the back end of the field, when they have a lead and less than 1 minute to play?

I’m not too familiar with the game, but that’s what I would have done.

HabinBurlington, 24 June, 2014

Uruguay will push like crazy knowing they require the win. Hopefully they can score first, otherwise Italy may end up with a counter attack goal and really setup the Guy Boucher strategy.

Suarez is almost a goal a game player, especially in these big games, I think Uruguay gets at least 1 goal.

Love watching the stories unfold with the success of the smaller South American countries.

A great world cup indeed!

Maritime Ronn, 24 June, 2014

He hasn’t really been relegated to a spare part.

The lost games were caused by multiple and some long term injuries including a concussion.

It might also have something to do with him being an assistant Captain on a team that has won the Cup 2 of the last 3 years.
No one knows what that means except the guys in the room and management

franco, 24 June, 2014

Like most on here if they are honest, I have never seen him play, once does not count. I barely know how to spell his name, he is a big ‘if’ or perhaps a ‘maybe’, or a’possibly’, etc.

His hair may play a role and mabish is getting way to technical.

wjc

Habfan17, 24 June, 2014

Thanks MR! Oh well, on to plan b, or c, or d…lol

Habfan17

123456, 24 June, 2014

As much as I like Pleks I think the time has come to move him. He is one of my top 5 favorite players, but he does not seem to have the extra burst in the playoff. One of DD/Pleks can be moved to make way for some youth.

123456, 24 June, 2014

USA had the ball and was killing time moving the ball forward, a turnover resulted in the counter attack.

Paz, 24 June, 2014

Get ready to be frustrated. Bergevin loved the Habs “resiliency”, and that’s code for leadership. I believe Gionta will come back. I would like us to move forward too, but Bergevin was so pleased he is trying to keep ths team together. I understand his point.

CJ, 24 June, 2014

Chris, with all due respect, that is not the case. In fact, reports indicate that Mitchell will not be resigned. Of course, reports are just that – reports.

Heck, we are talking about resigning Weaver…..

franco, 24 June, 2014

You are traveling to fast and too far for my tiny brain.

You would trade Beaulieu to Florida for a player they may not want to part with, is this fair to Florida.

Give up on Beaulieu already can we at least wait til August. You like Gudbranson package, not sure that is a reason to trade for him.

Now you have jumped ahead and traded Nygren, just package him up and get a second round power winger.

You are a miracle man, don’t stop there, if you see a player you like, just throw a deal together and make it happen, I like your style.

wjc

Paz, 24 June, 2014

Plekanec and a prospect, hello Mr Nygren, could get us quite a return I would expect.

Captain aHab, 24 June, 2014

I agree…could not understand Italy’s strategy in the Costa Rica game. At one point they showed the number of passes for each team and Italy had like 125 more or so than Costa Rica but they kept passing the ball between 5 guys at mid field. It’s like they had zero interest in attacking.

U.S. has been full value this World Cup, most pundits had them as the 4th best team among the 4 in the group. Fifa rankings are a joke. While the U.S. did commit a turnover, it was to a team with some of the most talented players in the World. While a win would have sealed it for the States, getting a draw from Portugal is still a most impressive result for this team.

I think the U.S. should be quite happy with the job Klinnsman is doing with the team. And they should only be stronger in the upcoming years.

Captain aHab, 24 June, 2014

If the LTC does indeed kick in at year 2, then I find it much better. Not that I think they would trade him but at least they’ll have the option.

What worries me more is that I hope the mindset isn’t:

“well we can’t play the kids in pressure situations because we’re trying to get to the playoffs;” followed by “well we can’t play the kids because we are in the playoffs.”

Vets are great but at some point, the training wheels must come off.

A true meritocracy would be great…get some good competition going. Not sure this is what the Habs do however.

—————-
Prepare to be boarded!!

knob, 24 June, 2014

I agree with what you are saying CJ. MB has made some good moves but he has also made some loyalty moves that I question.

DipsyDoodler, 24 June, 2014

It was certainly a mistake by Bradley at the end, but:

1. It came after 90 minutes playing in tropical heat
2. Cronaldo’s cross was absolutely sublime. There was no opening there until he made one.

Cory Conacher of the Montreal Canadiens drew 36 penalties, among the most in the league. We’re not saying he’s ready to play soccer just yet, but watch out. The refs are watching. Didn’t take them long to catch up to runner-up Nazem Kadri of the Maple Leafs and perennial favourite Alexandre Burrows of the Canucks.

Sorry if already posted (but not as sorry as person who wrote this should be)

Captain aHab, 24 June, 2014

Switching gears/topics:

What do you think happens to TSN now?

Are they going to survive the hockey drought?

I think RDS might very well have folded if they had lost hockey. Mini-putt and fishing can only take you so far.

And on another topic, what are the odds the Habs might bring the Hamilton team to Laval in the coming years? Did I read that the lease in Hammy was until 2017?

—————-
Prepare to be boarded!!

JF, 24 June, 2014

Good morning, CJ – There is no question that we are getting younger, just not as quickly as some would like. We can take the Kings as a model as you suggest, and they are certainly younger. But they did not start their young players with big minutes and heavy responsibilities; they moved them into the lineup gradually. Look at how Slava Voynov’s role has increased over the last two years since their first Cup. This is the approach we need to follow with our young players.

I agree that we will not win with DD and Plekanec as our top two centres, but I don’t think we’re ready to win yet. Both Eller and Galchenyuk are still learning, still developing and acquiring experience, so for the moment Plekanec and DD are still useful. Like Markov, their role will be gradually reduced or they will be traded. Just not this year.

As for Weaver and Gionta, Weaver is depth if he signs. I expect it will be either him or Bouillon, not both. In Gionta’s case, the rumour is that he is willing to sign for less and play a smaller role. If we had someone younger ready to play that role, I would oppose a contract for Gionta. As it is, I’m on the fence. I don’t think it’s the end of the world if he gets a year or two to play on the third line.

Chuck Kept Calm and Carey’d On ®, 24 June, 2014

Sounds great, Ian! Can’t wait to see everyone again!

Chris, 24 June, 2014

Greene was routinely sitting when everybody was healthy earlier in the season. I had targeted him as a possible acquisition, because Montreal had a need for a RD and he wasn’t playing.

Greene missed 18 games with an upper body injury, and 6 games with a concussion. That was his total time on the IR. So 24 out of 82 would have left him with 58 games where he was not on the IR. He played 38.

He was being platooned with Alec Martinez earlier in the year, but Martinez kicked his game up a notch as the season went along, and he was one of the Kings’ top defencemen in the playoffs. I don’t see Greene passing him on the depth chart now.

Mitchell may very well not be re-signed, but I still think Greene is in tough against McNabb to hold onto his job.

franco, 24 June, 2014

Hockey management 101:

Everything is an ‘if’. Everything!

You draft a player, but in the end it is only a ‘guess’.

If he works out you guessed right, if he doesn’t you guessed wrong.
Everybody is guessing as well and they may out guess you.

Guess wrong to many times and you are fired. Guess right and you are a king. What are you looking for, talent (must have talent), Character (must be reliable, mature, willing to listen, not too crazy etc) Work ethic, will he keep it up, will he get over confident and slag off.

Then you hope he keeps getting better, because some players peak ahead of others, you hope he keeps growing because size can be a factor, does he have determination to fight through obsticals, does he have a strong support group to keep him on the straight and narrow.

Does he suffer an injury that sets him back, does he discover wine, women and song and forget where he is going. Does he develop a substance, alchhol abuse. Does he drive too fast and perhaps drive into a tree and damage is head of legs.

If none of this happens and he makes it with the big boys does he realize that this is just too tough and opt for education.

If, If, If, If, all the way it is If….are you smart or are you a fool. You do not have to get them all right just a few.

Profesionals it is but to laugh, they all have hits and they all have misses. You gotta at least hit the dart board though.

Chuck Kept Calm and Carey’d On ®, 24 June, 2014

Yes, The Bulldogs have a long-term lease in Hamilton. And as for TSN, there’s always darts and poker.

Chris, 24 June, 2014

Why give up a great young asset just to get to the cap floor? They can sign some of the free agents or acquire somebody’s cap mistake (Briere?) for nothing.

Luke, 24 June, 2014

TSN isn’t in a hockey drought.
They have piles and piles of hockey to broadcast.
They have endless hockey to discuss. Endlessly.

They also have other stuff… sports stuff… to broadcast.

Captain aHab, 24 June, 2014

Yep that cross was as good if not better than the one that led to RvP’s header in Netherlands’ game 1.

—————-
Prepare to be boarded!!

Luke, 24 June, 2014

AAAAAAAAAND:

5 minutes of injury time?

Captain aHab, 24 June, 2014

Team Canada Rewinds and World Juniors?

—————-
Prepare to be boarded!!

Chris, 24 June, 2014

Greene was #6 in ice time for the Kings in the playoffs. He was fortunate that Regehr went down to injury, or I suspect he might not have played much at all.

I’m curious as to what part you think is not the case. Mitchell has been in talks with Lombardi to re-sign…the sticking point is that he wants 2 years, whereas Lombardi only wants to give him 1 year.

franco, 24 June, 2014

In my very humble opinion, I have never posted anything ‘stupid’. They all have been insightful and clever, in my Humble Opinion.

However, some of the uninformed and the great unwashed have failed at times to appreciate my ‘genius’. How unfortunate, how very, very unfortunate.

Captain aHab, 24 June, 2014

If Gionta does come back, I would like someone else to be C however but I doubt this happens.

—————-
Prepare to be boarded!!

Luke, 24 June, 2014

Habs, Jets, Sens, Leafs…

123456, 24 June, 2014

Paz I do agree – killing clock is great but at that point of the match and where the ball was I’d want 1/2 players ahead of the ball and 1/2 equal to the ball for an outlet. Oh well as Burly stated a draw was a good result.

I do not listen to soccer pundits but as Luke stated I question the amount of injury time added. 5 seems excessive.

Oh well they can move on with a win or a draw (I just like typing soccer terms like “draw” for tie and “match” for game.)

BriPro, 24 June, 2014

“Habs fans not happy with the TV schedule.”

One poster wrote “they are forcing kids to become Leafs fans. That’s child abuse!”

Funny and sad at the same time.

Mondou6, 24 June, 2014

Cheers, CJ!

franco, 24 June, 2014

It has been scientifically proven that all people are ‘stupid’ at least 10 times a day. So I would say he was indeed ‘stupid’.

Have you ever put your shoes in the fridge, and realized later, and then wondered how effing stupid was that, then take the cold shoes out of the fridge and put them on and realize you forgot your socks, So you go get your socks and put them on, but they are inside out, so you effing change them to the right side and realize you do not need your shoes cause you have nowhere to go and nothing to do, so you put your shoes back in the fridge, but this time you catch yourself and look around to see if anyone saw you do this and sure enough, the big mouth cat has seen it all.

JohnBellyful, 24 June, 2014

Plans are afoot for Hockey Blog Central, a clearing-house of comments made across the country by hockey-mad fans while games are being played.
Do you really need to see the ‘action’ when you can pretty much tell what’s going on by what the fans have to say, which, through careful selection by the show’s hosts, can be as entertaining as the match itself.
Granted, the NHL doesn’t set the bar high on most nights.

Man you aren’t readiing, they would also be getting a great young asset. They have aging defence and adding beaulieu on the left side would be good for them. The point is the trade would be good for both teams! It gives the habs the 2nd priong right handed defenceman they need. Florida gets a left handed young defenceman in Beaulieu, who played with Hubberdeau in Junior and a veteran who isn’t on a retirement contract. It is a win win. I mention drafting Ekblad to demonstrate that trading Gudbranson would not hurt too much and would be offset with the acquisition of Beaulieu! Works for both teams!

Habfan17

CJ, 24 June, 2014

I get that thinking. And, to a point, we need to retain our leadership. I have learned to suppress my frustration. I hate having the oldest and smallest team in the league, but I’m one of the mindless sheep you continue to pay big bucks for tickets. The passion is too deeply entrenched to change loyalties now.

third generation haber, 24 June, 2014

Draft is coming in a few days; I always look forward to this!

This year, I’d certainly like to see us draft a power-forward. Trusting in Mackenzie’s rankings, Alex Tuch and McCann will not be available at 26th spot.

Here are 2 prospects (that should be available) which I would be thrilled with, Mackenzie’s final ranking for each, and their profiles:

There are also offensive Russian players available, but the thought of our 1st rounder disappearing to Russia because he won’t have to pay his dues in the AHL is too scary for me. I want a player who’s only dream is the NHL.

Any thoughts???

j.p. murray

franco, 24 June, 2014

Cheering for the Leafs will build character, it will prepare them for disappointments in the real world.

The good things about a leaf fan, they never give up, they never whine, they are always positive, they like the color blue, never have to worry about a date on a Saturday night.

Keep the Sun newspaper in business, will spend any amount of money on sports channels to hear the latest hockey rumors that are usually a pile of cow dung.

Teach there children to carry on the legacy, they point at Montreal and say 21 years for you to.

and last but not least, they handle pain and anquish and disappointment very well with the help of pills and therapy.

CJ, 24 June, 2014

Pearson, Toffoli and Muzzin were among the best at their respective positions this post season. LA trusts their young players. I don’t know that we will ever be so willing to accept the youth. I need to reconcile this internally, because the process is not going to change anytime soon. We will be the oldest and smallest team again. As I said above, I can’t adjust to a new team now, so I will stand by and bear it.

Again, respectfully, I don’t see us getting any younger. In fact, I would suggest that the team’s average age will increase next year. I don’t see anyone from Hamilton making the team. I’d be shocked if more then one of Tinordi, Pateryn or Beaulieu is on the roster to open the season. Chances are, we will sign another veteran, if we ultimately pass on Weaver.

Just my two cents….

BriPro, 24 June, 2014

You sound like you’re tuned in and surrounded by them.

My sympathies. Let us know where we should send you RIP wreath.

Chris, 24 June, 2014

No, I have read it, but I disagree with your premise:

Ekblad + Gudbranson + whoever they sign to get to the cap floor is a better deal for Florida than Beaulieu + Ekblad + Gorges.

Your premise is that they need a good young left-handed offensive defenceman. That is a flawed premise: they already have Dimitri Kulikov, a VERY good young left-handed defenceman, and Mike Matheson, who by many accounts is at least the equal of Beaulieu and who can step out of the NCAA and into the NHL line-up as soon as next year.

The other flawed premise is that Florida has an aging defence. They have Kulikov (23), Gudbranson (22), and Olsen (23) that all played 40+ games last season. Petrovic (22) will be worked into the line-up this year. Matheson (21) will be worked in next season. Ekblad could very easily make the jump this season…if they trade Gudbranson, it will be for offensive help, not defensive players, where they have one of the top pools in the league.

Bob_Sacamano, 24 June, 2014

If Ivan Barbashev is still available I wouldn´t hesitate to draft him. Ever since I first watched Draisaitl I was hoping we´d be in a position to take him. Not going to happen unfortunately. I really hope the Leafs don´t move up to draft him.

Loop_Garoo, 24 June, 2014

I know I have said this before but I really feel that Brendan Lemieux is very overrated. He has not really stood out in any of the Colts games I have seen this year, would take him in the 3rd if still available, but really cannot understand why he is ranked so high. Does not seem to have any one thing that he does incredibly well, and has as a best case scenario, a 3rd line winger ceiling. Nothing wrong with a good 3rd liner, but in the first round would rather go for a the big potential.

JF, 24 June, 2014

Even if, as you suggest, we are in fact slightly older this year, the trajectory is towards younger players. At least two of Beaulieu, Tinordi, and Pateryn will integrate the lineup by the end of next season. Up front it will take longer because none of our prospects are ready. What Bergevin wants is to see them earn spots at training camp, the way Bournival did last year. Who knows, maybe Andrighetto or De La Rose will seriously impress in September – not likely, but possible. I think we just have to be patient, which I’m prepared to be because I think the team is on the right track.

Hobie, 24 June, 2014

.

twilighthours, 24 June, 2014

I’m out of touch. Some kind HIO soul cut right to the chase for me:

I have RDS and TSN. I live in NS. Will I be able to see all 82 Habs’ games next year?

Hobie, 24 June, 2014

So it looks like we finally have some clarification on the TV schedule. IF you are west of Ottawa you’re pretty much screwed.

From what Pat Hickey writes that must mean Kingston (front) and Belleville (Ian) as part of the group that will no longer get Habs games on RDS. I think both of those gentlemen can fork out the cash for NHL Center Ice or one of the online packages, no big deal for those guys.

For the rest of the country and people who aren’t into spending an additional $200 or $300 on cable per year or don’t like watching hockey with some crappy online stream, you’re pretty much hooped. You’ll be missing about half the Habs games.

I’m actually in Ottawa so the only thing that changes here is a bunch of games will be on TVA or Sportsnet if not on RDS or CBC. I’m not trying to rub it in.

My situation actually improves because CBC Montreal is not in HD in Ottawa on Rogers. So if I wanted to watch the Habs in English on Saturday it was only available in SD or HD on RDS. Those games should all now all be in HD.

Anyway, good luck everybody!

PK, 24 June, 2014

Off topic … A classic example that Sports can be all business –
Apparently, LeBron James is going to exercise an early termination clause in his contract and hit Free Agency on July 1st.
(No, he does not want to sign with the Habs).

We’ll be missing far more than half of the games. I have the option of subscribing to TVA to get 22 games in French, in addition to the 13 in English that will be carried on City-TV and Sportsnet. That’s only 35 of 82 games.

It’s even worse for a friend of mine who’s cable provider is Shaw; they don’t even have the option of getting TVA, so he’s stuck with a measly 13 Hab games this season.

It won’t be part of the regular TVA network, but rather part of the TVA sports package, which will cost extra. For 18 games…..

CJ, 24 June, 2014

I don’t think that Greene is behind Regehr on the Kings depth chart. Injuries – ironically to Greene – forced Regehr into more minutes then I am sure the wished to load upon their rearguard. Fortunately, the emergence of Muzzin really helped stabalize the back end. Prior to Muzzin stepping up, it was widely rumoured that the Kings were searching for a puck mover and PP specialist, which led many, myself included to suggest that Markov could be a fit. Muzzin ended that speculation with his steady play on the top unit with Doughty.

In the playoffs, it was Greene who played and Regehr who sat.

Bob_Sacamano, 24 June, 2014

There are some pretty decent online streams these days. I have been watching from Europe for years now and the quality last season was very good.

I can only hope there will be a TV special telling us where he will be taking his talents to this time!

CJ, 24 June, 2014

Hi Jane. I agree. The team is headed in the right direction. I can bitch and chew all I like, but if the younger players are not ready, you can’t force them into the lineup. It’s not a league in which you can throw someone into the deep end and see if they sink or swim. All of this I agree with. Further, I also agree with Bergevin when we says that he would like the younger players to force their way onto the team.

We will just have to wait and see how it all plays out. Cheers, CJ

CJ, 24 June, 2014

Thank you very much! Best wishes, CJ

CJ, 24 June, 2014

Thank you very much! Best wishes, CJ

frontenac1, 24 June, 2014

Hola Hobie! I think we might be ok with RDS down here in The Limestone City as we were always considered Ottawa territory for TV coverage. The line always went from Belleville east. Belleville west was Leaf territory. Here’s hoping. The way I read it, TVA will pick up any slack?

boing007, 24 June, 2014

I hope that Markov continues to recover his leg strength before next season, otherwise he wasn’t worth signing.

Richard R

Chris, 24 June, 2014

Agreed…Brendan Lemieux has been somewhat pedestrian whenever I have seen him.

Nikolay Goldobin is the kind of massive potential player that could be available, and I would love to grab him. If Robby Fabbri were still there, I’d have to consider it even though I don’t know that he’s a great fit…the kid is a sniper with great wheels.

dexterdog, 24 June, 2014

VANEK is German for MOOSENUT.

B, 24 June, 2014

I looked at the now available schedules, and I think this is the breakdown for next season.

Rogers new contract has 32 regular season Habs games (plus all playoffs):
5 Wednesday on SN
1 Thursday on SN (Nov 13 vs BOS)
18 Saturday on HNIC
1 Saturday on SN (Oct 18 vs COL)
2 Saturday on City (Oct 11 in PHI, Oct 25 vs NYR)
4 Sunday on City
1 Sunday on SN (Feb 8 in BOS)
[I believe all of the above 32 games are also on TVA-Sports nationally]

–Go Habs Go!–

Kooch7800, 24 June, 2014

That is why I was shocked when people saw the rogers monopoly for years upon years as a good thing. This is all to bleed Canadians of more money to drive up NHL revenue.

I am going to do Hockey Streams on my Android box. NHL gets zero out of that. Rogers bleeds me dry already with my phone, Cable, Internet and Security system. I should get the NHL centre Ice free for all them money they get out of me already

Chuck Kept Calm and Carey’d On ®, 24 June, 2014

I wonder how Geoff Molson feels about his team’s exposure being cut-off to 3/4 of the country. And the folks at RDS who are looking at everyone west of Ottawa dumping their service, since pretty much the only reason that anyone outside of the province has RDS is for the Canadiens games. Their subscription rates are going to plummet.

As far as I’m concerned there should be no blackouts to any Canadian team. Who is responsible for these blackouts:
– Sports stations?
– Cable companies?
– CRTC?
– Local teams?
– Advertising sponsors?
– NHL?
– The Illuminati?

The only thing they understand is $. I just cancelled Sportsnet. Unfortunately that meant TSN as well and I love to watch the CFL. If enough people cancel their sports package maybe the people responsible will rethink their logic. Short term pain for long term gain. I know it will never happen but I do dream.

I wonder if RDS calculated how many westerners would cancel their station before signing their regional deal. They indicated they were going to lose money on each game. TSN did not find it feasible to sign up for Habs English regional rights.

sirs81, 24 June, 2014

I think there could have been problems in the room and that is why they shipped him out.

Habshire, 24 June, 2014

In the back of your mind do you ever feel the Dutch government will shut them down at any moment?

marvin20, 24 June, 2014

I live in the GTA and used RDS on Rodgers to see all Hab games. What are my options for 2014/2015 season. I’m not going to buy center ice. the only team I follow is Montreal.

twilighthours, 24 June, 2014

I thought you were a Haligonian, Bobby. No?

twilighthours, 24 June, 2014

Thx!

twilighthours, 24 June, 2014

Thx!

CJ, 24 June, 2014

I agree Eddie. I don’t know that he will still be on the board at 26 – provided we stay at 26, but I would like the potential upside and would be willing to live with the downside risk (although, they should be said for almost any draft pick).

CJ, 24 June, 2014

Personally, I think the Flyers are now easier to play against. Unfortunately, I also think Columbus has also gotten better. If you look back to 2011-2012, Montreal and Columbus were two of the worst teams in the entire league. Fast forward three years and we are quickly moving into the top ten.

I wonder what Leafs and Oilers fans think about that?

Chris, 24 June, 2014

I honestly don’t get why so many draft prognosticators are so down on Aaron Ekblad…the kid’s play in the OHL was right there with guys like Doughty, Subban or Pietrangelo. He’s big, he’s mobile, he’s got a great shot, he’s physical, he is a leader. He was good enough to play on the World Junior team as a 17 year old they seem pretty sour on him.

That World Junior note is important…in the last 25 years, only 5 defencemen played for Canada as 17 year olds: Aaron Ekblad in 2014, Ryan Ellis in 2009, Jay Bouwmeester in 2000 and 2001, Chris Phillips in 1996, and Scott Niedermayer in 1991.

Other than Ellis, who is undersized for the NHL, the other guys all went on to have excellent NHL careers. Ekblad will too.

B, 24 June, 2014

I believe that games are blacked out when a nationally available channel only has regional rights to a game they are broadcasting. They can only broadcast what they have paid to have the right to broadcast.

The exception to this is the NHL Center Ice package which does the opposite, they block out the regional viewing area. From their website:

“Blackout restrictions exist to protect the local telecasters of each NHL game in the local markets of the teams. Keep in mind that blackout policies and restrictions are different for every sports package that your system may carry. (NHL CENTER ICE is designed for the NHL fan who wants to see NHL games in addition to those which involve the team(s) in their local markets).”

–Go Habs Go!–

HardHabits, 24 June, 2014

I want to thank the person who turned me on to the NHL.com streamed games hack via VLC Player on the Reddit boards.

I’ve been able to watch any NHL game live since.

Chris, 24 June, 2014

Anybody in the 20’s has a pretty big down-side. For Corey Perry, it was his attitude. For Zach Parise, it was his size. etc.

But Goldobin has the goods: great shot, great skater, great offensive awareness. As Ed said, you can teach offence. If Goldobin is still on the board at 26, and he is slotted in somewhere in that neigbourhood, I would draft him in a heartbeat.

theflukester, 24 June, 2014

Wow 3 years for old slow Markov. Unbelievable. What’s next Gionta for 5 years? So much for the young talent having a chance.

Play every game as if it is your last one. Guy Lafleur

bwoar, 24 June, 2014

Let’s give Ryan Callahan his 6.5M.

This is a crazy idea that’s not so crazy. We let Gionta walk, we sign Subban for 8M, Eller for 3.25M, Whitey for his 750K or whatever, and shovel cash at the former Ranger.

This is a better RW for Max/DD than any I’ve heard so far not named Vanek; old enough to lead; keeping Gallagher available for line 2 where he’ll be in a better position to play on Galchenyuk’s wing succeed; Dale Weise can be the 3rd RW and the team will have a bit of turn over without losing it’s two way mojo.

Plekanec turned over somehow. SOMEONE has to be let go from last year’s group. He gets my pick for possible return and general playoff ineptitude for many years. If you really hate Briere we could find a LW for that spot. But c’mon, the guy needs to play.

Crazy?

bwoar, 24 June, 2014

Do you use a VPN for this as well? or not needed?

Forum Dog, 24 June, 2014

I know Hartnell gets a lot of love from the fans and media, but in hockey terms I’m not sure there is that much that separates he and Umberger. Hartnell has a history of providing better offense, but he has also gotten some prime time minutes with prime time players. Umberger has lacked the offensive support, but is still pretty much a lock for 20 goals (and is a better skater).

Without knowing what happens behind the scenes, I imagine part of this deal comes down to numbers. The cap-hit is roughly the same, but Umberger only has 3 years left compared to the 5 left on Bird Dog’s contract.

Chris, 24 June, 2014

CJ: Regehr did not sit through the playoffs. He injured his knee in Game 1 of the Anaheim series and wasn’t fit to return until Game 2 of the Finals…the Kings chose to stick with a winning line-up. In the first round, Greene played 2 of the 7 games, averaging about 13 minutes per game. He was a healthy scratch for 6 games in the playoffs.

Regehr played all 7 games, averaging about 19 minutes per game.

HabinBurlington, 24 June, 2014

Re: Rogers NHL TV Deal

My only hope with this new TV deal is that Rogers eventually realizes they may have bit off more than they can chew. It is a monster of a cheque they need to give to the NHL every season and they are obviously hoping to cash in by getting more than just the TV rights, but also the ability to tie in with cell phones, streaming etc…. I am not a techie kind of person, I never use my cell phone to stream highlights or games. I also am not a person who streams games to watch.

However, from the TV perspective, essentially Rogers will be employing a great deal of TV people, have big production costs for all these games across Canada and may find out that perhaps it is a bit more than they can do. Hopefully portions of the games are sliced off and sold to TSN.

Essentially TVA/Rogers need to find that they are not getting enough bang for their buck and perhaps it is possible that the Habs portion could be sold back to RDS and the blackouts removed. The Habs product I am hoping is worth more to RDS than what TVA will gain with regional coverage. I am probably butchering what I am trying to say, but essentially its all about money, and perhaps RDS can offer enough to Rogers to allow the RDS games to be national instead of regional.

This is not a simple task, but it is what I am hoping for, given the agreement is 12 years.

bwoar, 24 June, 2014

Eh, their change will come. Beaulieu will have a spot, and one at a time is enough.

FanSince1969, 24 June, 2014

Any news on Larry Robinson?

Habshire, 24 June, 2014

Exactly. I think they believe if you are not allowed to watch your preferred team that you will instead support the local team which we all know is baloney.

The CFL used to think if they did not blackout games in the local market people would not go to the games. Now all the games are televised and people still go.

HabinBurlington, 24 June, 2014

I would rather overpay for Callahan than underpay for Gionta. Does that make sense?

Mavid ®, 24 June, 2014

I will have to double check but I am sure Bell offers a French package this includes TVA, RDI, RDS, and some French CBC..I am east of Ottawa so I assume I am ok for TV. Either way I will figure out a way to watch. This XBMC thing works pretty good..HD quality and it’s free..have any of you looked into it?

Weed Wacker Grandma Smurf

bwoar, 24 June, 2014

I wonder what we’d have to give up to get that pick. I think it gets traded this year, I’m interested to see how that shakes down.

Plus and but and in spite of that, who the heck picks a defenseman first overall? A mook, that’s who.

HabinBurlington, 24 June, 2014

I wasn’t aware any were down on him, everything I have heard is the universal agreement that Ekblad goes #1 overall. To me that is a compliment to him.

Thurston, 24 June, 2014

Ekblad seems to be a nice kid too. I met him last Friday when he was picking up the suit he’ll be wearing to the draft.

Mavid ®, 24 June, 2014

Imagine Markov playing his entire career as a Hab, that’s such a rare thing these days..

Weed Wacker Grandma Smurf

Forum Dog, 24 June, 2014

I like this idea, just not at $6.5 over 7 years. It’s too much for a guy who has never scored 30, is approaching 30 (years old), and plays a hard physical game despite being somewhat undersized. It has diminishing returns written all over it, and a $6.5 hit will affect their ability to get younger guys (Beaulieu, Galchenyuk) locked up 3-4 years from now.

If they could get him for something more like $5.5M, I’d say sure. But others are probably willing to spend more….

Habitforming, 24 June, 2014

I heard a different tune and Maybe Ian can confirm, but I heard George Burnett of the Belleville Bulls was talking with the Habs I assume for asst coaching position.

Chris, 24 June, 2014

As for old, slow Andrei Markov, I do find it a bit funny that the team we are supposed to emulate, the two-time Stanley Cup champion LA Kings, saw fit to go with a much slower Robyn Regehr for the past couple of seasons. Matt Greene is also very slow, their #6/7 defenceman.

When Regehr was with Calgary, so many here said that he was done and that he had nothing left in the tank. Yet the Kings saw that he still had experience and positioning. They can cover up for the vulnerabilities of their defencemen (Regehr and Greene are painfully slow, Martinez has struggled in the defensive zone, Doughty takes too many risks at times) by making sure that their forwards play the full 200 feet.

Montreal has too many passengers at forward, especially in the top-9, the guys who play the big minutes against the other team’s top players. Galchenyuk, Gallagher, Pacioretty and Desharnais are more often than not VERY weak in the defensive zone. Plekanec was not his usual self this season…his man was left open far more than I ever remember. Gionta has lost a step, but the effort is still there. Eller and Bourque can play a solid defensive game, but both are prone to long periods of play where their mind is clearly not on the game.

We can belabor the defencemen all we wish, but I will continue to maintain that they really aren’t the problem they are made out to be. The Kings, the Blues, the Blackhawks, the Bruins…those teams have stayed at the top because the majority of their forwards are big, strong, fast and defensively responsible. Montreal has a ways to go in that department…when it changes, the defencemen will look absolutely fine.

Try to get a clean lick in on Chara/Krug, or Pietrangelo/Bouwmeester, or Keith/Seabrook, or Doughty/Voynov. It is bloody hard…the forwards are going to do everything they can to impede you, get in your way and otherwise prevent you from getting a long run at the defenceman fielding the puck.

In Montreal, Subban and Markov have to deal with a forward steaming in from centre ice with nary a Hab forward impeding his straight line. Opposing forwards treat Montreal’s neutral zone and defensive zone like a drag strip when they are forechecking.

Thurston, 24 June, 2014

As I live in southern Ontario and thus will be blacked out from watching Habs games on RDS, I guess I’m not going to be watching much hockey this season. I won’t support anyone but the Habs and will not tune in to any other broadcast, particularly now that we Habs fans outside of Quebec and the Maritimes have been shat on.
But hey, at least Bettman & Co. have billions of dollars from Canada to play with.

Bob_Sacamano, 24 June, 2014

No, I´m just a “Habbian” in Europe.

mdp2011, 24 June, 2014

What news are waiting for? He is in San Jose.

“Larry Robinson will also return as associate coach, and also serve as director of player development.”

Not even close to universal agreement. Sam Bennett, Leon Draisatl, Aaron Ekblad and Sam Reinhart are all in the running for #1, depending on team needs. Most have Ekblad as #1, but others have him as low as #4.

The comment that bugged me was the following:

“And where MacKinnon, Barkov and Drouin were projected as first-line forwards and Jones was projected a likely No. 1 defenceman – destined for greatness — this year’s crop of forwards is projected more as second liners with defenceman Ekblad perhaps getting “top pairing” billing though not necessarily a future dynamic No. 1. Good, maybe very good, but not necessarily great.”

bwoar, 24 June, 2014

That was the moment of clarity I had last night. That signing Gionta to 3M still wouldn’t be a step forward. It’d be another Briere type contract. Better to pony up for a guy who can actually fill the vacant top-RW spot. That line needs either a gifted scorer (Gaborik will be n/a and Vanek, no thanks) or a hard forechecker who can contribute. Callahan fits of the bill.

B, 24 June, 2014

LA also had no rookies on the blue line in the playoffs.

–Go Habs Go!–

Chris, 24 June, 2014

Very well liked around the league…he is a pretty classy act on and off the ice. Gudbranson was the other extreme…not at all liked around the league.

And then there is Corey Perry, who was universally hated outside of London.

habsfan0, 24 June, 2014

I cancelled my RDS “Varietes” package with Rogers approximately 1 week after the Habs were eliminated.
At this point,it’s completely unknown whether I will renew come the fall.

Habfan10912, 24 June, 2014

I think he will now, Mavid. I think he’s been one of the most under appreciated stars of the game. He’s one of my favorite players to watch without the puck. A hockey players player.

bwoar, 24 June, 2014

I doubt he’ll actually get that 7 year team. As a UFA at that salary he’s much more likely to get offers for 3-4 years, and eventually sign with a team giving him 5. I totally agree that 6.5M for 6-7 years…. that would be too far. I’m pretty skeptical any GM out there is going to do that though.

But hey, they regularly prove their own insanity.

Chris, 24 June, 2014

You pick the player that is most likely to turn into the elite player. And that is Aaron Ekblad in this year’s draft.

All-around defencemen are rare commodities. Right-handed shooting all-around defencemen are even more rare.

If I had any doubt about Ekblad, I could understand the worry…but he’s got everything. I just hope that he doesn’t fall to Buffalo…that would be my nightmare scenario.

As for the pick, Vancouver’s offer was rumoured to be their #6 pick in this year’s draft, Hunter Shinkaruk (a good offensive prospect drafted #24 last year) and a roster forward.

CJ, 24 June, 2014

This Chris, I completely agree with. So, why then are we even considering an extension for Gionta? Effort only takes you so far. At the end of the day, we are still too small. I do not suggest we need to move every player under 6’2″, but it is very hard to compete when you carry so many small players.

Big guys, like Greene, like Mitchell, like Regehr, who are not fleet of foot can take a hit and not become puck shy. Sorry, but I’ve never seen Gorges carry the puck. It touches his stick and it’s gone. I do appreciate that some of that is the result of playing with PK (obviously he will carry the puck as opposed to Gorges), but at times I think we played scared. We have come a long way from Diaz, Weber, etc., but we would do our defence a great service if we could protect them by providing an outlet and occassionally, taking the attack to the opposition.

B, 24 June, 2014

Rogers sold / partnered the Hab’s French national rights for the 32 Sat, Sun and Wed games (plus playoffs) to TVA-Sports for a reported $120M per year. It would be TVA (not Rogers) who “could” sell those games to RDS, but it would cost RDS at least what TVA paid (likely a lot more) to get them. I just don’t see Peladeau doing RDS any favours.

–Go Habs Go!–

bwoar, 24 June, 2014

Those 2 duos you named absolutely need a hard checker to complete them. You nailed it, the forwards have been weak as a group. I got to wonder how much the system plays into this, though.

Forum Dog, 24 June, 2014

Well, if they could get him for 3-4 years, that is another story. I also wouldn’t mind if they offered him a 7 year term at a lesser number (i.e. $5.5M).

I have to think he (Callahan) is aiming for term given his age and his style of play. But I agree that he is exactly the type of RW to compliment Pacioretty.

CJ, 24 June, 2014

Yes, I agree with this completely. You overpay for quality. It should NOT be a question of ability versus availability.

HabinBurlington, 24 June, 2014

Clarkson’s contract last summer is an example of the craziness. Every summer it happens, every summer we think the GM’s have learned from the past. Every summer we find out they haven’t. So just as quickly as I am endorsing your move of Callahan, I would hate if our GM is the one to make the bonehead UFA signing of the summer…..

Guess I will just sit back and watch, and continue to believe that in the longrun I think MB knows what he is doing.

CJ, 24 June, 2014

Ekblad will be the first overall selection.

HabinBurlington, 24 June, 2014

Yah I hear you, but it could turn out that RDS sees a dramatic enough drop in subscription/ratings that they can afford to pay TVA that price tag.

I cancelled my RDS already, as there is no reason for me to have it for the upcoming season.

HabinBurlington, 24 June, 2014

THere was talk about a hangnail being infected, but other than that, yah not much news!

Habfan10912, 24 June, 2014

Those can be painful.

Forum Dog, 24 June, 2014

The Clarkson contract is the epitomy of FA insanity. While I don’t think the team that signs Callahan will suffer the same fate as the Leafs, your point is a good one.

theflukester, 24 June, 2014

I guess so eh… Shame I thought MB would turn this club around but instead he’s more interested in making rich players richer. But I guess the statement is true, this is a business more than a sport.

Play every game as if it is your last one. Guy Lafleur

B, 24 June, 2014

It was a really nice run while it lasted, but RDS can no longer get away with relatively cheap national broadcasting rights. That reported $120M per season TVA paid is only for the French national rights to 32 RS games + the playoffs (+ stuff like the all star game and outdoor gimmicky cash grabs). It sucks, but prices just keep going up and up, have you looked at your hydro bill lately… yikes!

–Go Habs Go!–

CH Marshall, 24 June, 2014

They’re down on him in hopes that GMs will be fooled by their hype, pass on him, and that he’ll land with the Leafs

HabinBurlington, 24 June, 2014

My Hydro bill was through the roof this month! My first reaction was to call up some distant Mennonite cousins of mine ask them to convert my house to power free like theirs and find a way to make it work!

B, 24 June, 2014

Should Eller get more than the $2.5M avg per season that 20 goal scorer Schenn got?

–Go Habs Go!–

Chuck Kept Calm and Carey’d On ®, 24 June, 2014

i also live in Southern Ontario. For me to get access to all of the games, I’d have to subscribe to TVA (9 months at $7/month) plus NHL Centre Ice ($160). That’s $252 including tax, or a 417% increase over what I paid for 82 games + preseason + playoffs last season.

If you were Eller would you take 2.5M? The true value of Eller may still be open to some discussion. But that is largely NOT the fault of Eller but the manner in which he is used, which does not allow for complete judgement.

But I take you back to the question. If you were Lars Eller and his agent, what would you come away with as far as how the team’s management view/appreciate you if their offer to you is 2.5m.

Been reading about the RDS blackouts effecting southern Ontario, does anyone know how the blackouts effect the northern part of Ontario?
I’m in Timmins which is northeastern portion of Ontario.
I have been watching the Habs on RDS for years, not liking what I’m hearing or reading about this blackout.

Just a Habs Fan, 24 June, 2014

Successful GM’s won’t over pay for anything…if yo uoverpay in one spot you have to underpay in another…..not a good recipe for success likely…develop draft picks…..draft smart…that’s the key to success….no ?

habstrinifan, 24 June, 2014

It was a total giveaway. A shame that they allowe dit to happen but they were playing with fire by being tim/cautious on the challenge for the last 10 minutes of that game. There were many balls which they could have had but they were afraid to challenge for possession.

If you get Center Ice, why would you need TVA Sports? I also believe that all the games shown on TVA sports will also be on HNIC, City and SN.

If RDS or someone else was to buy up all the rights needed to create a Habs channel to broadcast all of the Habs games, how much do you think that channel would have to cost in order for them to make any money off of it? Is there really a business case for that? I understand the frustration, but I am still not sure how people expect this to happen.

–Go Habs Go!–

johnnylarue, 24 June, 2014

Illegal live streams are still the sincerest form of protest.

Habfan17, 24 June, 2014

I would say they need to offer him somewhere close to what DD is making. They were close in average ice time, but DD got PP time and played with prime talent. Yes, DD had twice as many points, again, look at PP time and line mates. Eller gets tough minutes on the PK and lesser line mates. Hopefully that changes this season.

Habfan17

bel33, 24 June, 2014

I think you’re out of luck… only the Ottawa Valley is getting access in Ontario.

Click on the Petition link (below) that a lot of people are putting in their signatures. Spread the word.

Centre Ice only carries games from “regional” broadcasters; in this case, RDS. Since the TVA games are national coverage, they wouldn’t be on Centre Ice. So to get all games, I’d have to purchase both.

Habsfan0—-I left my subscription to “Varieties” running. When season starts including exhibition I’ll gage what’s blacked out and not blacked out. I get as you did both RDS and TVA in HD. Going to wait and see.

Habfan17, 24 June, 2014

I really believe that Gionta needs to go and they need to bring in players like Iginla, Radim Vrbata, Ryan Callahan, or trade for someone that will fit with the core. Not an over the hill bag of bones.

They could also bring in a left winger like Mason Raymond and move Bourque to the right side.

Habfan17

B, 24 June, 2014

I believe the cut off is west of Pembroke and Belleville, so you would not get Habs games on RDS in Timmins next season.

–Go Habs Go!–

Forum Dog, 24 June, 2014

There is no way he should expect more than that. Both Killorn and Schenn have now re-upped at roughly the same money and he is neither better nor proven any more than either of them.

habstrinifan, 24 June, 2014

Obviously we would have to agree to disagree. I would be surprised if he accepts 2.5M without going to arbitration.

Doesn’t Center Ice show the other team’s coverage of their out of region games? You might have to put up with the other team’s bias from the announcers (or sync it up to a Montreal radio coverage from the interweb) but I think you would get most or perhaps even all Habs games on Center Ice. Can anyone who has subscribed to Center Ice comment more accurately on this?

Edit: As I said above, I also believe that all the games shown on TVA sports will also be in English on HNIC, City and SN. You may not need to spend more $ for TVA Sports, unless you want French coverage for those games (which may also be available from Monteal radio on the interweb for synching). I am just trying to save you some cash here, but that may not be an issue for you. Cheers!

–Go Habs Go!–

habsfan0, 24 June, 2014

Are you in Thornhill,Chico?
I’m more central,near the Allen Road.
I still get TVAHD even though I cancelled my “varietes” package.

Forum Dog, 24 June, 2014

Could be, though with those other two having signed at $2.5, what would an arbitrator be likely to award him?

DDO_Habs_Fan, 24 June, 2014

I was not crazy about signing Markov to a three year deal but I completely understand as they could not replace his offensive production and TOI. If Markov stays healthy, at worst he will become like Sergei Gonchar: one-dimensional but still dangerous offensively. Hopefully MB can get a real RH D-man to play with him because Emelin is not it.

One thing I would completely not understand at all is resigning Gionta: a 5’7″ 35 year old forward. Is this what the Habs need??? With DD and Briere still on the team, it is a no-brainer to let him go. The best forwards during the playoffs were Eller, Bourque and Weise (I wonder what they have in common…). With the apparent lack of change on D, they need large forwards to help Price and the D. The Habs need to move on from the Gainey era…enough already.

CJ, 24 June, 2014

I agree that drafting and developing is the recipe for sustained success. However, when the asset matures, you ultimately pay for their real potential. Toews and Kane will be great examples, as both will reset the bar for extensions going forward. Even the most prudent GM’s, will, at some point, be forced to overpay for quality. Overpayment is a subjective term. Perhaps I should say, pay more then exisitng market value.

habstrinifan, 24 June, 2014

Edit: If saying that Eller was ‘underused’ in the regular season is disliking MT then guilty. It is remarkable though that when ‘push came to shove’ Eller was a ‘go to guy’ both last year’s playoffs and this year’s… while being often relegated to bit part in the regular season. I think he is too good a player to be asked to accept 2.5M.

Moves with this team is always a surprise, have patients and you may get a surprise like trade deadline with Vanek, Never know with MB.

DipsyDoodler, 24 June, 2014

If you want a comparable for Lars Eller, two players drafted in the same year with similar number of NHL games played and points are Nick Bonino and Mickael Backlund.

Backlund is still on his last RFA deal at $1.5M.

Bonino just signed a three year deal for $1.9M.

—–
Moving. Forward.

bwoar, 24 June, 2014

@ Forum Dog re Callahan:

I’d like to give him the 7 years like so:

8 7 7 6.5 5.5 4 3 with an average cap hit of 5.86M.

That 5.5M in year 5 might bite us, but if he’s hurt at that point, there buyout isn’t as terrible, and if he needs to transition from the top line at age 34 the last 2 years of his contract aren’t totally crazy.

Loonie, 24 June, 2014

Desharnais didn’t find the scoresheet a lot in the playoffs but he was full marks in my opinion.

Bourque and Weise scored timely goals, much like Gaborik and Williams in Los Angeles. I wouldn’t venture to say that either Gaborik or Williams were the Kings’ best players in the playoffs. Though I’m sure many would argue it.

bwoar, 24 June, 2014

$2.25M should be the very max for Eller.

Loonie, 24 June, 2014

I still wouldn’t rule out Vanek coming back. Therrien has to keep Pacioretty and Desharnais together as long as Desharnais is here to ensure production offensively from both so I’m not so sure there should be a big hesitation in bringing Vanek back with the idea that he must play with them. The team is going to have some serious cap flexibility in the next five or so years and if Vanek is looking for a good place for his family, a chance to win and a reasonable salary relative to his skill set and the market it may have to be here.

bwoar, 24 June, 2014

So glad that story has a good ending. He will appreciate each day above ground from here on out!

DDO_Habs_Fan, 24 June, 2014

Agree about DD. He solidified his position on the team with his effort and play. Hopefully MB gets him and Max a power forward. As for the Kings, I thought Kopitar should have won the Conn Smyth. He did everything.

DDO_Habs_Fan, 24 June, 2014

If I got demoted to the 4th line in the Eastern Conference Finals, I would not want to come back to that team…no? Curious to see if the Islanders re-offer him $49 mil/7 years. Don’t think Minnesota will take him unless he takes a big discount.

theflukester, 24 June, 2014

I haven’t had cable for 2 years, I’ve been watching live streams ever since. I don’t need any hacked this or that. I don’t know why you would need hacks.

Play every game as if it is your last one. Guy Lafleur

habs001, 24 June, 2014

i guess shoplifting from stores because they charge too much same situation…

CHicoHab, 24 June, 2014

Habsfan0- I’m in Vaughan. I thought all French stations were part of varieties. That’s good to know. Thanks

bwoar, 24 June, 2014

I haven’t closed that book either, but I don’t know what the coaches would do with him when the funk hits. I’d like to explain away his listless stretches as an injury but his post-playoff comments left us all pretty cold. That kind of attitude is easy to hide in Buffalo, surrounded by Pomminville, younger Briere etc, but I don’t think Tomas Vanek truly ever plays for the crest on his chest.

When it clicked, that line was dynamite, but can it click in the playoffs? It’s at least as much of a risk as Callahan. I think his asking price will be a determining factor.

For the record I’d take high-skill over high-grit, but, the grit must come from somewhere when it counts, and that line dropped off badly.

DDO_Habs_Fan, 24 June, 2014

I wouldn’t mind Callahan playing with Max and DD as he crashes the net at will. Can take draws for DD too and is excellent on the PK. However, his style leads to injuries which worries me. Plus he seems to want way too much money.

Loonie, 24 June, 2014

I think that money, winning and a good place for his family has been his priority and that the Rangers, Wild and Avalanche are probably the only teams other than the Habs who can offer a combination of or all of the three.

Loonie, 24 June, 2014

Doughty and anyone else would have been and was criminal.

DDO_Habs_Fan, 24 June, 2014

Eller is 25 so he is close to free agency. Whatever his worth is now, if the Habs want to lock him up into his UFA years, they will have to pay more now for future savings. Another reason why I think Pleks will be dealt.

SC-1993, 24 June, 2014

Vanek is a very good regular season player, just not meant for the playoffs if the price is right he can help get us there, we’re a long ways from winning a Stanley Cup he can help while we are still rebuilding…

Loonie, 24 June, 2014

Funny how that worked out well with the Pacioretty pick.

John Q Public, 24 June, 2014

Call me crazy but why do the olympic teams get rings ?
I thought it was about the medal.

Loonie, 24 June, 2014

The team wouldn’t have beaten Boston without Vanek. His playoff scoring pace is only slightly below his regular season pace, which is to be expected given the increase in quality of competition.

bwoar, 24 June, 2014

Not for 7M it isn’t.

bwoar, 24 June, 2014

HD broadcasts.

24 Cups, 24 June, 2014

If Florida trades their 1st overall pick they will live to regret it.

Just because the CBA says 7 year deals are the max doesn’t mean teams have to give that much term. Especially for guys like Vanek or Callahan.

MB needs to cool his jets during the next ten days. He realistically only has one pick in the draft and also needs to sign a RW. Those two moves might be good enough until August when the basement bargain players get signed.

24 Cups

bwoar, 24 June, 2014

Vancouver will never get it done with that deal, unless the roster forward is Ryan Kesler.

From a Habs perspective it’s more like: 1st, Beaulieu, Gallagher (and hope they take Plekanec instead.) Again, I don’t see it happening.

And I won’t be the mook who picks a defenseman #1 either. Sorry Chris but the ‘right’ thing to do is all-too-often a big fat mistake.

DipsyDoodler, 24 June, 2014

I don’t think they will trade. Tallon is just being a tease. Probably enjoys the attention.

—–
Moving. Forward.

DDO_Habs_Fan, 24 June, 2014

Depends what they get. Looks like Ekblad can play right away so I would hesitate trading him.

punkster, 24 June, 2014

As an aside…I’m trying with this FIFA thing. I really am trying. I can put up with the long periods of lateral passes, the out of bounds delays…but the diving, the embellishment, the writhing in pain… man that is just so childish.

Release the Subbang!!!

Loonie, 24 June, 2014

Owners have a hard time forgetting that a player was a huge factor in them getting an extra seven(or more)million in revenue that they otherwise wouldn’t have acquired without that player.

Forum Dog, 24 June, 2014

If they can front-load it to bring down the cap-hit, I think I’d be good. They would need to do some serious due-diligence though. 7 years is a long time, and who knows what type of player Callahan is at age 33-36. He would definitely help them now and, like you said before, would be a great RW compliment to Pacioretty. Sniper-Playmaker-Digger is usually a recipe for success….

Can’t recall what NYR offer Callahan rejected, but I feel like it was in the $6M range. MTL would probably have to be at that in order to be in the running, especially given the tax structure in Quebec. Of course, there is also the issue of whether or not Callahan would wan’t to play there, which is far from a given. He might want to go and play with Tavares!

B, 24 June, 2014

Isn’t snapping your head back when a stick or something similar swings close towards to your face more of a reflex action? I don’t think there was a delay between when the stick nearly hit his face and when his head snapped back in reaction. I have seen plays where there is a blatant delay between a near miss and the reaction, but I didn’t think that was the case when Plekanec was penalized. Perhaps my memory is fuzzy or was it just seen through Habs coloured glasses.

–Go Habs Go!–

bwoar, 24 June, 2014

The actual going rate for the eternally-hyped “1st overall pick” pretty much ensures it never gets traded (unless to another team in the top 5.)

songles, 24 June, 2014

How about… Plekanec and a 1st for Patrick Sharp? Fills Chicago’s need for a #2 center without exacerbating their impending cap issues, and fills our need for a first line RW.

It’s just hard to imagine Chicago giving up their top scorer…

Edit: Or does Sharp typically play LW?

bwoar, 24 June, 2014

It’s a risk, but anyone we try to put there right now, anyone available anyhow, is a risk. Maybe Vanek’s a better one. But there’s not much out there. If signing Markov is the indicator I think it is, MB is trying to open The Window and there will be a risk involved. Several over the next 2 years, of that I am sure.

Rugger, 24 June, 2014

I tried too, lasted to half time of the first USA game and gave up. The diving, abuse of the officials etc makes it hard to watch.

Loop_Garoo, 24 June, 2014

Excellent response 001. Never quite how people don’t understand that it is exactly the same thing.

bwoar, 24 June, 2014

I would stay the heck away from NYI. It’s a matter of time before Tavares jumps ship too.

bwoar, 24 June, 2014

I would do it tomorrow, probably not Chicago.

Say Ash, 24 June, 2014

lol Suarez actually bit an Italian player. I love the World Cup!

Chris, 24 June, 2014

Sharp can play any forward position.

I don’t think the Blackhawks would be particularly interested in Plekanec.

Savardian Spin-o-rama, 24 June, 2014

Don’t forget the time he put his feet up in the penalty box vs the Bruins. Way too “chill” for me. I say deal him.

~~ You’ve been spun ~~

Hobie, 24 June, 2014

I watched a chunk of the USA Vs Portugal game. Portugal scores the 1st goal and the guy who scores starts sucking his thumb? What the hell was that?

With the theatrics, mannerisms and all the weird stuff that goes on it seems as though European soccer players are much more in touch with their feminine side than North American athletes?

DDO_Habs_Fan, 24 June, 2014

The Blackhawks have one more season left of an excellent salary cap situation where most of their team is still signed. Next summer they will have to start shedding salary, not now. They need to go for it now and trade a prospect or two to get that second line center. Not sure they want Pleks. I would be happy getting Saad for Pleks but never going to happen.

songles, 24 June, 2014

Yeah I suppose this year will be a sort of ‘window’ year for them before a minor retooling that may take a couple seasons.

Chris, 24 June, 2014

Personally, I think the forwards in this draft are significantly weaker than previous years, and Ekblad is significantly better than defencemen in recent years (including Seth Jones). If there were a year to pick a defenceman first overall, this is probably it. There are holes in the game of all the top guys, but Ekblad’s are tiny compared to everybody else.

DDO_Habs_Fan, 24 June, 2014

I love soccer but it has become a joke. Today’s Italy game is just another example. I’ve never watched a sport with so much to dislike. Crooked organization, horrible refs, whining, diving, cheap-shots, selfish play, arrogant/unlikeable stars…just terrible.

habs-fan-84, 24 June, 2014

You missed a hell of a game.

Phil C, 24 June, 2014

I’m still scratching my head on the Hartnell trade. Philly should have been able to get Umberger for almost nothing as Columbus was considering a buyout. Why give up Hartnell?

The only way this trade makes sense is if Hartnell had zero interest from other teams, so they were both swapping bad contracts with both sides gambling a little bit on the incoming player. I knew Umberger had fallen out of favour in Columbus but has Hartnell’s stock fallen that much?

It will be interesting to see what other moves Hextall has up his sleeve.

Just a Habs Fan, 24 June, 2014

It was two shifts after the stick missed his head area…..not really a serious delay ……..but the refrs thought it was

Hobie, 24 June, 2014

You forgot racism too DDO. Remember the PK Subban Boston thing six or so weeks ago. That wouldn’t even be a blip on the radar in the soccer world. The Italians and their fans over there are super racist. Scary.

Just a Habs Fan, 24 June, 2014

Man what was he thinking…teade his ass

habs-fan-84, 24 June, 2014

I get tired of the inferiority complex North American’s have towards football (soccer). We get it, hockey players are tougher than footballers. That is all, carry on

Mavid ®, 24 June, 2014

funny that you say that..Sunday night my husband and I went to a sports bar for dinner they had soccer on every TV. USA was playing Portugal..We never watch soccer but we decided to watch for a bit seing it was on. We were both shocked and amazed at how many times the players fell clutching their ankles. They roll around on the field like they are dying only to be back in the game a short time later. Now I remember why I never watch it..just as you say whinning, diving, and cheap shots..

Weed Wacker Grandma Smurf

Mavid ®, 24 June, 2014

LOL see my post above..seems there are a few of us that feel that way..I love hockey..period

Weed Wacker Grandma Smurf

naweed235, 24 June, 2014

Chris Stewart. Get it done please. I’d be willing to part ways with Beaulieu if that’s what it takes

Chris, 24 June, 2014

Meh…I feel the same way about golf and baseball as many here feel about soccer, while the NFL and the NBA are increasingly heading that way. All are various shades of unwatchably awful for me, but a lot of people I know love some of those, so what can you do.

Hobie, 24 June, 2014

I don’t think it’s an inferiority complex. I think a lot of people in North America are just baffled how people can respect and take soccer so seriously when players act they way they do? I often wonder how the entire crowd doesn’t burst out laughing sometimes?

Thomas Le Fan, 24 June, 2014

I get tired of the superiority complex and B.S. from those trying to convince me I should watch soccer which merely interferes with my enjoying watching the grass grow. So I guess we’re even. Cheers.

I get that it’s hard for Habs fans to be patient, especially after the quantum leap the team has taken in the last two years. We’re on the cusp of joining the elite teams, and fans want that next step to happen now. But we can’t hurry our prospects; if they’re not ready, they’re not ready. On defence, Beaulieu certainly looks to be ready, and both Tinordi and Pateryn are close. But up front, there is no one who is less than at least a year away unless Andrighetto or De La Rose show in September that they’re close. It is both difficult and expensive to get scoring through UFA signings or trades, so we can’t look for long-term solutions there, although I think Bergevin will find someone to replace at least part of Vanek’s contribution.

So we have no choice but to be patient. The Leafs are a good example of what happens when you’re not. They’ve overpaid for free agents like David Clarkson, given big contracts to the wrong players like Dion Phaneuf, traded assets for players they thought were key but will now have trouble keeping (David Bolland), and are apparently ready to give up on two young players who should be part of their core (Nazem Kadri and Jake Gardiner). Instead of following a long-term plan, Nonis seems to be grasping at straws each year to improve his team in the short term, with the result that he simply squanders assets while the Leafs tread water.

Marc Bergevin is carrying out his plan, which means drafting well, developing our young players, and building the right balance between experienced veterans and youth, and between speed and skill, size and toughness. It takes time; Bergevin has had only two years. It took the Kings nearly a decade.

Phil C, 24 June, 2014

I think the reason there is so much diving in soccer is because they don’t have delayed penalties, so you only get the call if you go down. I remember seeing Robben on a breakaway four years ago and he was practically mugged from behind, but he was able to get a shot off,so the ref let the play go. I was thinking he should have gone down to get the penalty kick.

UKRAINIANhab, 24 June, 2014

I LOVE futbool

Embarrassed to say that after that game today.

Yuck.

Thomas Le Fan, 24 June, 2014

Soccer is the perfect new sport for those who figure their poop doesn’t smell. Isn’t there a SoccerInsideOut blog where they can congratulate themselves on their innate superiority and stop trying to convince us knuckle draggers how wrong we are?

His third time biting someone..last time 10 games suspended…Will be interesting to se what FIFA does…

Hobie, 24 June, 2014

I don’t really know what fan bases are racist? I hear about it from people I work with that are soccer fans. It’s simply amazing to me to hear about that kinda stuff in 2014.

on2ndthought, 24 June, 2014

whoever signs Callahan is getting into a Clarkson.

Jeremy Gregoire just got an invite (with Fucale) to the WJC Canadian camp. He is looking like a diamond in the rough 6th rounder for Timmins/Bergevin. Might top out as a third line center but his stats last year are impressive: 65 games, 35 goals, 69 points, +25!, 84 pim

“a cannonading drive”

frontenac1, 24 June, 2014

Go Als! Go Chargers! Go Habs! Saludos!

Curtoph, 24 June, 2014

No problem, pass it on, its the same thing as streaming online however you stream it to your computer not through a sketchy site. And it is free.

Paz, 24 June, 2014

Trading Colberg and our 2nd rounder for Vanek showed no patience.

Let’s call it for what it was.

UKRAINIANhab, 24 June, 2014

Gionta > Kulemin.

if I read one post saying we should get Kulemin I will be angry!

Luke, 24 June, 2014

And yet watching hockey you get to see the same dramatics and embellishments but with facepunching and headshotting mixed in.

I’m not a soccer/futbol fan, to be honest, but there is no high ground for the hockey fans to stand on.

Curtoph, 24 June, 2014

As more people contemplate what to do this coming season and those who watch on their computers look into VLC links on the r/hockey subreddit as it is HD stream links played within a media player on your computer, it is not too complicated and there isn’t anything sketchy about it. Hope me spreading this word can save fellow habs fans some coin.

Luke, 24 June, 2014

Or the black-faced Habs fans a few years ago?

Maritime Ronn, 24 June, 2014

songles says:
How about… Plekanec and a 1st for Patrick Sharp? Fills Chicago’s need for a #2 center…..
———-
Not quite sure Chicago needs a # 2 center as they have a very good young one in Andrew Shaw
22 years old-20 goals last year, and a friendly $2M Cap Hit for the next 2 years before he becomes an RFA…
Shaw ended up getting hurt in the playoffs.

As you state, the Hawks are in Cap distress…even this year.
If the Cap goes to $70M, they have only about $3.5M left and need to sign a back-up goalie and at least 1 forward.
That gets them 21 signed roster players only.
Usually teams have the maximum 23 players signed because of injury situations…

While many would believe this is impossible, the huge anchor is Marian Hossa…and the Hawks have some decisions to make regarding him.

He turns 36 in January, yet has 7 MORE years of a $5.275M Cap Hit.
Buy him out now with a Compliance Buyout with no future Cap repercussions, or wait until next year with very large Cap hits and Recapture Cap hits for several years.
His 2 goals in the playoffs was a disappointment…

habs-fan-84, 24 June, 2014

I could be wrong, but I think he’s referring to that sport where you actually use your feet to control a ball

JF, 24 June, 2014

OK, but the situation warranted it. We had a chance to go deep in the playoffs. We did go deep, and the experience will be invaluable. That’s not what the Leafs are doing.

The Jackal, 24 June, 2014

Football is a great sport! It is indeed the beautiful game.

Yeah, it had its warts and bad moments but so does every sport. I always embarrassed at the NHL for one reason or another, but I love hockey and the sport played at the NHL level.

As for diving and players’ attitudes, that’s a very hypocritical point because players in every sport are always trying to sell calls and get the foul and to that end they embellish to get the refs’ attention.

In football, the distance from player to official tends to be quite a lot and with such a large playing field, it is hard for officials to get a good look at the play, so players have to embellish the foul in order to make it more visible for the ref.
As for attitude… That’s just a North American myth about footballers. The NBA and NFL have as many characters and divas but we don’t label them pansies. And that brings me to the dramatics, which is tied to the point about embellishment. A lot of the time it does hurt that much to be fouled, other times it is more strategic in order to buy time or an advantage by getting a call. Again, this happens all the time in every other sport. You don’t have to like it and many fans frown upon it but it’s not a reason to disparage the sport.

There’s a lot of skill and strategy in football that makes the game extremely interesting but it may take time to “get it” for people in non-football cultures and who did not play the sport.

2mins4lookinsooogood, 24 June, 2014

we should get kulemin ….

seriously, I would be ok with 4 years/12 mil for NK. Not expecting him to score 30 again, but putting him with Eller and Bourque moving RW and you these guys light it up AND grind the other team to pulp.

“Don’t crush that dwarf Alex Henry, hand me the pliers”

DDO_Habs_Fan, 24 June, 2014

Makes no sense to trade a $6 million Sharpe to get a $5 million Pleks. You trade Sharpe to get younger (and cheaper) prospects.

Maritime Ronn, 24 June, 2014

Why would you dismiss Kulemin?

Only 3 years ago before Randy Carlyle arrived, he scored 30 goals/57 points and was +7 on a lousy Leafs team.
(Phil the Thrill was Minus -20 that same year with 32 goals)

Do you know something about his character you would like to share… or the reason why he would make you angry?

27 years old – 6’1″225 – physically strong and can play both wings and understands a 200 ft. game…..

Phil C, 24 June, 2014

It would only cost them $15M to buy him out, so they should probably do it. As you say, with the recapture rule, a buyout is not a practical option after this month, so they would need him to retire or they are stuck with the caphit.

nunacanadien, 24 June, 2014

What is this about Subban signing with the Laffs?

Luke, 24 June, 2014

It showed, not a lack of patience, but the willingness to take a calculated risk.

Paz, 24 June, 2014

It showed that Bergevin will trade patience for the possibility of winning. So would I.

tophab, 24 June, 2014

never part with beaulieu , paul coffey in the making.

on2ndthought, 24 June, 2014

sorry U-hab, but I agree with 2minutes and Ronn here. Kulemin has always looked solid, smart, strong to me; maybe not gifted. I’d take him for 3 or 4 at 3 to 3.5 M/year; move him up or down depth chart as prospects develop

“a cannonading drive”

Luke, 24 June, 2014

At some point you have to, I agree.

Ie: Iginla for Nieuwendyk.

And Colberg ain’t no Iginla.

Hindsight… 20/20 and 24/7…

(and I’m not a even Vanek fan and wasn’t keen on the deal).

mksness, 24 June, 2014

more likely to buy out hossa

on2ndthought, 24 June, 2014

but they’re sending us Phaneuf in his place so all is good

“a cannonading drive”

Maritime Ronn, 24 June, 2014

Totally agree DDO

Not to forget is that Sharp is also an assistant Captain on a team that has the best Captain in hockey being JT along with another A in Duncan keith

bwoar, 24 June, 2014

The kind of player Callahan is vs. the kind of player Clarkson is makes the comparison more than shaky.

Walmyr, 24 June, 2014

Eklund’s E5???………

bwoar, 24 June, 2014

Done deal, 7 years, 11M per year. Who woulda thought?

Chris, 24 June, 2014

I don’t know about that Hossa buyout…the Blackhawks are one of the teams that were on the NHL’s watch list for attempts to circumvent the salary cap. They need to tread VERY carefully if they buyout Hossa, because that contract should have been treated like that of Kovalchuk, but somehow the Blackhawks got away with it.

tophab, 24 June, 2014

I wish the habs would stop treating subban so shabby, are they trying to make him leave?why is he not signed? no other team benches their best players when they make a mistake and they all make mistakes.

Maritime Ronn, 24 June, 2014

Hi Phil & mks

Amazing how the Business of Hockey is getting in the way of the Game of Hockey (Brad Richards…)

Hossa is a wonderful hockey player, yet as we see, the Hawks are in Cap trouble with him.
The Hawks have done an incredible job as most players are way below the Cap Hit they could earn.
That changes next year

habs-fan-84, 24 June, 2014

Relax. He’ll be the last one signed, as his contract is the most complex.

HardHabits, 24 June, 2014

And it’s a high quality stream.

mksness, 24 June, 2014

does anything in the cba say that the contract can be reviewed if it’s bought out? i don’t think they have anything to worry about. besides NJ didn’t really get punished

on2ndthought, 24 June, 2014

not so different, clarkson actually has the size to play that crashing style for a few more years. Callahan has heart, but he’s probably ready to fall apart about now

“a cannonading drive”

Maritime Ronn, 24 June, 2014

Agreed Chris – they got away with it (past), but this is 2014 and the Hawks have the new ‘Legal’ CBA option to do so until June 30th.

mksness, 24 June, 2014

well i guess it all depends on the contracts given to kane and toews.

also depends on how much longer they thing hossa will play. but they’re likely to get dinged in the last 2 years of the contract assuming he retires early. but then again that would be in 5 years with most likely higher revenues and a higher cap. so might not be a big deal especially if they think they can win one more cup in the next 3 years.

Habitant in Surrey, 24 June, 2014

I only woke up after a very long night and early morning. I see the petition has hit 356 in 8 hours or so. Not bad.

Let’s network through Facebook, Twitter and Gawd knows what other networking mediums that are out there, to try to get this puppy up to 1000 by the 24 hour mark.

Kulemin is basically a 15-20 goal scorer really a 3rd liner, if you are looking for a 3rd line left winger, maybe he’s your man. like I have said if we want to be more than a playoff team for the next 5-10 years we have to bring in players that can win a cup, so far we haven’t done that, just proved it back in may and if you really look at the big picture it wasn’t about how good a team we were, it was about how things went down and we did well.

8 years 64m . should be easy. little negotiating and he ends up with 8 years at 7.6m a year.

mind you if i were him i would structure my contract with signing bonuses that are triggered by date. just in case of another strike or buyout you get all your cash:-)

6m signing bonus every year and 1.6m in salary.

habs-fan-84, 24 June, 2014

He attacks like a dog lol

Habilis, 24 June, 2014

Be proud, Uruguay. That’s your golden boy chomping his way to glory.

Pathetic.

Luke, 24 June, 2014

It’s habitual. 3rd time now. Almost Kreider-esque.

DipsyDoodler, 24 June, 2014

I guess he just needs to that. Like a hamster.

—–
Moving. Forward.

Paz, 24 June, 2014

Our GM trades his 2nd rounder and one of his best young scoring prospects for a scorer who will become a free agent.

There’s no hindsight here.

There’s no ambiguity here.

There’s no patience in that move. Period.

Habfan17, 24 June, 2014

I would say that MB has started to do just that. Weise proved he is a player who helps you win! Even in the play offs. Now they need more players like him and of course some like him with top line skill.

Habfan17

tophab, 24 June, 2014

he should be first signed.

UKRAINIANhab, 24 June, 2014

With all the Suarez biting talk…

Cheilinni’s diving the entire game takes the cake for me. Absolutely embarrassing to be a fan of Italy or Uruguay today. If a player deserved to be bit it was him

54321…until someone complains about my soccer post

Just a Habs Fan, 24 June, 2014

Callahan looks like a better player all round than Clarkson…going back in Clarkson’s years he only had one season where he scored well….like so many if these guys one year gets them the big contract on a team that can’t support their play and they crash.

Hobie, 24 June, 2014

Not even close. Occasionally, as in once a month or even longer, you get a hockey player pretending he’s hurt. It happens every five minutes in soccer. Hockey players will fake getting tripped or hooked to draw a penalty. They don’t get carried off in a stretcher for getting a scratch on their knee or breaking a toe nail.

I never said there was a high ground for hockey fans to stand on either btw.

Hobie, 24 June, 2014

A few years ago? A couple of fans? There are entire stadiums filled with racists in soccer.

Just a Habs Fan, 24 June, 2014

It probably made the Habs management a few more millions of $ though for the deep playoff run they had. With asome luck on tjier side they may have went to the finals where they would have needed more than luck to win.

Cal, 24 June, 2014

What’s this insane love I’m reading for Ryan “I Did Sweet FA in the Playoffs against the Habs while averaging 20:41 a game” Callahan?
That kind of performance merits a $6 mil for 7 years term? Hell, I must be worth $5 mil then. I mean, really.
Vrbata? He’s 33. Let’s look elsewhere.
Kulemin? 6’1” and 225lbs. He’s 27. To replace Gionta? $3.5mil for 3. Done.

habs-fan-84, 24 June, 2014

No, he shouldn’t. Naturally, if it’s the most complex contract to negotiate you want to have as much time as possible (to get it right). Thus, you get the smaller and easier deals out of the way first, then you have the rest of the summer to primarily focus on the Subban file.

twilighthours, 24 June, 2014

And here’s another thing: Collberg certainly doesn’t look like a scoring prospect. He had a nice WJC once. And that’s about it.

Just a Habs Fan, 24 June, 2014

Hobie…hockey is full of embellishment…all teams have the ones that play thaat game…some more than others but it is there and willbe until they start to pay attention to it more. If you think it only happens once a month…well that can take in dozens and dozens of games well you are not paying much attention

Habfan17, 24 June, 2014

Then then MB could make a call and see if the Hawks would trade Hossa and retain some of his salary.

Habfan17

twilighthours, 24 June, 2014

While it’s macho to play hockey, it’s even more macho to argue about which sport is more macho.

twilighthours, 24 June, 2014

Not at all!

twilighthours, 24 June, 2014

Hockey players are tougher than soccer players.

There’s more corruption and racism in soccer than hockey.

And my dad can beat your dad.

twilighthours, 24 June, 2014

Not me, man. I don’t want to let a few events or players ruin a beautiful sport. I don’t even play it! But my daughter is learning how and it’s so much fun to watch. To play it well you need skill, fitness, smarts… you need the total package.

Now baseball, on the other hand….

myron.selby, 24 June, 2014

There is another way of looking at this – if Vanek set his alarm clock so he didn’t sleep through most of 3 playoff rounds he would have been a complete steal. Not to mention that there would have been a reasonable chance MB could have locked him up long term had they gone to the final. At that point it would have gone down as one of the all time great trades instead of just a really good one (which it was).

UKRAINIANhab, 24 June, 2014

Sorry I’m on mobile I can’t reply to comments…

Racism is not in soccer, it is also in Hockey and many many other sports in the world sadly. I think some of us are forgetting what happened to Subban in the series against Boston. The sad reality is that this still exists today. It’s not a reflection of the sport either, it is the human race in general… Yaya Toure who plays for Man City now, said It was almost impossible to play in Russia because of it…

myron.selby, 24 June, 2014

The impression I have was that they had decided that Collberg was no longer seen as one of their top prospects. He really hasn’t shown anything much since they drafted him. He seems to be struggling to find any offence and I doubt that would improve playing against NHL opposition.

Habfan17, 24 June, 2014

I agree MR, his role was changed after that solid season and playing with Eller and Bourque, he could find his was back to at least 15 goals and 40 points!

Habfan17

twilighthours, 24 June, 2014

Hockey players have heart, but soccer players have footballs in the groins.

‘Last week, he skated for the first time since Feb. 28.
“After five minutes, I gained everything back, my hands and my skating,” Tim said.

“I was really happy and confident for the future.”

He has his sights set on attending the Habs’ rookie camp in September and playing for their American Hockey League affiliate, the Hamilton Bulldogs, next season.

Tim even mentioned attending the Canadiens’ prospects camp in July, but admitted that might be a tad overambitious.

His mom brought an iPad to the rink and filmed her son’s return to the ice.

“Oh, me, I cried. I cried,” Hélène said.

“If you think about three months ago, when he was laying down like a dead boy, if someone told you he could be on the ice in June, probably, I would not believe these people.’

bwoar, 24 June, 2014

Again, that really is something. Great on the kid! Hope he keeps getting to play the game he loves.

Maritime Ronn, 24 June, 2014

Chargers????

BJ, 24 June, 2014

The ordeal the parents must of gone through. Great to see the young man coming back from the death bed.

DDO_Habs_Fan, 24 June, 2014

PK held out last time and posters think a deal should be reached quickly? Whether you believe it or not, this is going to be an ugly negotiation. PK is worth 7.5 mill right now. If you take that number and factor in inflation over an eight year term, his agent has to be asking for a $9 million/year deal (or he’s incompetent). The Habs have ZERO leverage. Markov basically got what he wanted (4% “home-town” discount…LOL). The worst thing that can happen to PK is that he goes to arbitration. The best is he gets an offer sheet from a good team. If I was an opposing GM, I would offer him one as he is as valuable off the ice as on it. I just can’t see him taking a discount…I wouldn’t.

Habitant in Surrey, 24 June, 2014

The riveting memory of actually watching 5 to 10 minutes of a soccer game was a scene after a goal, I don’t remember or would recognize the name of the players, club team, but the goal-scorer was on the grass and his team-mates piling on top of him.

Finally, as the players begin to rise to their feet, one happy team-mate leans his mouth into the prone goal-scorers crotch and bites his penis.

That’s the moment I came to the conclusion soccer is for certain folks, and hockey for Me.

bwoar, 24 June, 2014

Gotta think outta the box for a RW. Kulemin’s a third liner & I think plays the left side generally.

tophab, 24 June, 2014

so we should wait for some team to sign him for 11 mil 7 years 77 mil and we will have to match?

BJ, 24 June, 2014

The worst part of soccer is the resurrection scenarios the players put on. They are close to a total decapitation and suddenly the have a Max Pac spontaneous healing. The world champs are the Italian Womens Diving team that got taken out today. Italy is the only team I cannot cheer for.

I never said there wasn’t embellishment in hockey. I’m talking about pretending you’re injured! Read my comment. Soccer players roll around on the ground and carry on and on. It happens every 2-5 minutes in soccer. If a hockey player gets a tug on the leg he’ll occasionally embellish a bit to get a call. A soccer player agets a toe on the back of his heel and he automatically rolls around for five minutes before getting carried off on a stretcher.

I don’t think it will be ugly. My guess is they are already within a million a year of each other, PK’s agent asking for 8 or 8.5, MB offering 7 or 7.5 to start, on an 8 year deal. UFA’s and draft will be priority for next couple of weeks, then PK gets signed, likely early- mid aug.

Loop_Garoo, 24 June, 2014

they are not treating him shabby, it will get done. Every team benches players, even good ones from time to time. We have all seen it done to everyone from Ovechkin to White.

Cal, 24 June, 2014

Big softee toffee. No thanks.

Habitant in Surrey, 24 June, 2014

Too many Habs Fans are saying that Roger’s ‘don’t care’ what We think.

I guarantee You, …give them enough bad/negative press and publicity, and they WILL care.

Guaranteed !

Cal, 24 June, 2014

Callahan is no top 6. His numbers speak of a 3rd liner. One good year in 11/12. The rest? Not so much.

Habfan17, 24 June, 2014

Take to twitter and get as many people as you can complain and it should make a difference. Probably more so than a petition. I have clients who had bad experiences with airlines and other services and when they called, got nowhere. When they tweeted, they got results.

Habfan17

Cal, 24 June, 2014

I can’t believe they can’t package a Habs tv package coast to coast. The question is whether people will be willing to pay for it. A tv station for every game, pre-season to playoffs, with all Hab interviews and special content. Throw it all on SportsNet Habs.
I’m surprised they don’t do it for all Canadian teams. You’d think it would be a no-brainer.
I bet they could do it at $200/yrly, but they probably want $500 from everyone, every year + to pay for that HUGE NHL deal.

habs-fan-84, 24 June, 2014

Not sure Hemsky has the character MB is looking for. Crossing my fingers this doesn’t happen.

Habitant in Surrey, 24 June, 2014

What is certain there is a raving upset market not able, at least at this time, to watch Their Team play hockey in the way they want or afford to watch …at least, nationally, west of Ontario

This is not a few Canucks, Jets, or Flames fans, this is a very large Montreal Canadiens Fan-base …and We don’t bloddy-well care the ‘reasons’ why …We want it fixed

The situation for the Montreal Canadiens is also politically unique …there are Francophones across Canada that can be making the case an icon of Their culture is no longer available without premium costs

For instance, My heart bleeds for Norm in Whistler

…okay, okay, that was not a convincing example …but You know what I mean

This could be a negotiated partnership between Rogers and Bell (RDS/TSN) for all We care to realize a dedicated Habs Channel

That’s do-able, that’s possible …not likely probable …but possible

We know what We want …let Roger’s, TVA and Bell figure it out !

Rugger, 24 June, 2014

As bad as hockey fans get after ref’s at least they do not murder them like in South America.

I agree, Kulemin would be a good replacement for Gio. He’s a big strong winger with decent hands.

Phil C, 24 June, 2014

I would think RFAs are the last priority. Right now they should be focused on the draft and free agency. They have all summer to negotiate with Subban and the other RFAs.

Maritime Ronn, 24 June, 2014

mrhabby says:
…..no opposing GM is going to do an offer sheet against the Habs. GMs really don’t like doing that to each other it hardly ever happens.
——————————
The past proves you absolutely right.
Since 2004 and that new CBA 10 years ago, there have only been 8 Offer Sheets signed – 7 have been matched, and only 1 player has changed teams (Penner 2007 from Anaheim to Edmonton)

4 of those 8 were done by Kevin Lowe (Vanek-Penner) and Philly Paul Holmgren (Kesler-Weber)

Subban will NOT receive an Offer Sheet, yet he has all the bargaining powers this time around – it’s called Arbitration Rights.

The very worst Subban could do this time around is take that Habs to Arbitration – then the Habs request a 2 year deal, and Subban walks away with at least $7.5M (see Shea Weber Arbitration decision 2011)…and then Subban becomes a UFA in the summer of 2016 and free to choose any team he wishes to play for.

That is the Habs Armageddon Scenario!

Phil C, 24 June, 2014

A one year arbitration deal would not be too bad as they would retain his rights for next year allowing them to still take a shot at a long term deal next summer.

shlamiel, 24 June, 2014

YOU ARE ALL FULL OF SHIT

Un Canadien errant, 24 June, 2014

A remarkably good piece on René Bourque by Justin Bourne, who played against him in the NCAA.

It’ll be a sad day in the Mile End if Greece and Italy are eliminated in the same day. The only residents who won’t care are the Hassidim and the hipsters.

—–
Moving. Forward.

Habitant in Surrey, 24 June, 2014

Super talent but is small, and a bit of a selfish player I hear.

Maritime Ronn, 24 June, 2014

It appears as though there is some ‘outrage’ from a certain HIO segment in regards to the ability to watch Habs games next year because of a new provider.

Reading through all this ‘outrage’ and petition stuff, what has NOT been presented is exactly what it will cost next year vs. what it cost last year…by City, Province, or Region.

In other words, what did you pay last year – meaning service provider and costs, vs. what you ‘perceive’ you will pay this year with a combo of a modified/cancelled package and new Habs package?

Please provide those numbers, because without that cost information, the argument and outrage is weak at best.

Nothing is free in life including beer and Pizza…and everyone has choices to make as to how they will spend their discretionary or entertainment dollars.

The Habs for a month may mean 1 less….your decision.

Timo, 24 June, 2014

And then what?

2mins4lookinsooogood, 24 June, 2014

And on the Seventh Day (after July 1) MB Signed PK.

I get that too many of us have too much time on our hands so we are prone to worrying about perceived slights to our favourite players (The angle at which Mike Babcock tied his McGill showed how disrespectful he was toward PK …. ) but the signing of PK will really not be a big deal.

MTl will go long and in the last years of his contract it will be for double digits … there is no need for angst here. PK took the bridge contract and will now get the gazillions, minus the hometown discount.

What, a hometown discount? Yes. Unlike a team of losers (Ottawa Senators) that are trying for the salary floor, a team that spends to the cap is essentially saying this:

There is no upward room so what you don’t take can be the difference in getting that last UFA, keeping the next UFA and April exits. The players know it, the agents haggle for it but in the end it all gets done. What will really be interesting is what happens with Eller.

You could argue that Schenn set the market, but Eller has arbitration rights, so instead of a 2 – 4 year deal at 11 ish … maybe MB goes long, and it is 6 years at 18 …. but if it is 2 …. then you know which player is out the door.

“Don’t crush that dwarf Alex Henry, hand me the pliers”

CH Marshall, 24 June, 2014

verrrrrry interesting!…. hmm… We could have another Subban type steal here.. Also we need to find additional players to keep MT busy

secretdragonfly, 24 June, 2014

Sorry, I missed that – could you please speak a little louder?

CH Marshall, 24 June, 2014

CONFIRMED ?

habcertain, 24 June, 2014

HiS, noble cause but these contracts are negotiated within the scope of broadcast rights, to try and change that perspective would entail renegotiating the fee. This also pushes people to Center Ice. Outside of the Habs, because of the French content that showed games nationally, this did not effect any other team in the league.

Timo, 24 June, 2014

How much does it cost to subscribe? I believe you can do on-demand game watching, which means I can watch a game sometime after it’s over.

EDIT: That said, I watch too much hockey, so this gives me a change to re-evaluate what’s really important.

EDIT 2: I think the major point is that they don’t make it easy (regardless of cost) to get all 82 games if you live out West.

Maritime Ronn, 24 June, 2014

Drug abuse is an unfortunate thing.
There is help out there…
Seek, and you shall find.

DipsyDoodler, 24 June, 2014

I’m not concerned about for the H I/O members, who will find a way to watch the Canadiens.

No it’s the children I worry about. Those kids in the prairies, rockies, and BC.

Are they going to grow up watching the Maple Leafs on TV?

Will their parents buy them Blue and White hockey jerseys or Dion Phaneuf posters for their bedrooms?

—–
Moving. Forward.

DipsyDoodler, 24 June, 2014

Unbelievable!

FIFA refereeing denies Ivory Coast.

—–
Moving. Forward.

Hoegaarden, 24 June, 2014

Indeed, a complete joke. The beautiful game my foot… May be one day they will join the 21st century.

JF, 24 June, 2014

That was an absolute travesty.

habcertain, 24 June, 2014

Why do people keep insisting that PK gives a hometown discount? While some may say that Markov could have got more on the market, I think he took home full value for a player with declining skills. MB challenged PK in their 1st negots, and now must pay the piper, and work the cap issues. That is what smart GMs do, not look for home town discounts.

Picking #26, I see this as a potential home run. You can’t teach that kind of skill. And as someone (help me out here) once said – it’s not bragging if you can back it up (or something remotely similar to that anyway).

He sounds like he has a bit of a chip on his shoulder but I can see why when I look into the circumstances. Getting left out by Hockey Canada when you’re that skilled has got to burn. And that 15 game suspension was a joke. I don’t even think it should have been 2 minutes.

I agree with you. It seems like I’m going to have to pay different providers–and a lot more–to watch the same full schedule of games that I got from Telus for $3.00 or so for my extra French language package.

I call B.S. on Rogers. Total B.S.

EDIT–I also need to add that, as a person one generation removed from being a Francophone, I get all the practice listening to French from my RDS Habs broadcasts. I’d like my son (who’s taking Intensive core French at school) to be able to hear and talk with me in French during the games. I don’t consider it a sports-watching issue. For me, it’s a cultural and life-enriching issue.

Defense wins championships

“To one who has faith, no explanation is necessary. To one without faith, no explanation is possible.” St. Thomas Aquinas

dragonwind2000, 24 June, 2014

Ronn–see my post above. It will definitely cost me a lot more than the $3.00 per month I used to pay Telus for my French language package.

And as I added in my edit above, it’s not just about watching sports for me.

Defense wins championships

“To one who has faith, no explanation is necessary. To one without faith, no explanation is possible.” St. Thomas Aquinas

JF, 24 June, 2014

The Ivory Coast player didn’t touch Samaras. The replay showed that he clipped his own heel.

Habitant in Surrey, 24 June, 2014

Bingo ! Derek.

CRTC answers to the Ministry of Canadian Heritage.

With sufficient vituperation this could easily become a cultural and political issue as well.

DipsyDoodler, 24 June, 2014

Actually there was contact, but it was initiated by Samaras. The replay from behind shows it: it was Samaras who hit the IC player’s foot as he went for the ball.

It wasn’t a pen though.

—–
Moving. Forward.

Dulljerk, 24 June, 2014

I’m thinking Josh Ho-Sang in the draft. Hot dog? Yes. Talented? Very. We’ve already got one of those on defence, I want another who’s a forward.

No eternal reward will forgive us for wasting the dawn.

FanSince1969, 24 June, 2014

There was contact in the box. Penalty shot. ELLAS. ELLAS. ELLAS. Don’t be haters. We aren’t Bruin and Leafs fans. These are the breaks that we attribute to the Forum ghosts.

PS. Any news on Larry Robinson?

FanSince1969, 24 June, 2014

I just played “pick the Habs draft pick” on their website. My choice was Claude Lemieux son Brendan.

Just rewatched the replay. It’s a bit dicey, I admit. That being said, CIV player probably should have kept his leg out of there. Stepping into someone else’s leg space is a good way to get called as he did. If Samaras had sold the play and gone down right there, no one would complain.

…Which is another issue entirely, but I digress.

And again, my opinion is biased, so maybe not perfectly valid

Cal, 24 June, 2014

Phew! There’s a curse on EA Sports NHL cover players.

marv1840, 24 June, 2014

Forget about retiring Toe Blake’s number. It makes no sense to do this when the person is dead. There can be no ceremony or speech involving Toe Blake, so why go through the motions if the person is no longer alive.
It makes a lot more sense- as the Habs did with Guy Lapointe- to honor a former player while he is still alive to enjoy the ceremony.
I think to honor some of the former Canadiens by retiring their numbers who are still alive- such as Brian Engbloom, Peter and Frank Mahovlich, Jose Theodore and Andy Moog, makes a lot more sense than retiring the numbers of those Habs who passed on. The time has passed on the retiring of Toe Blake’s number; the Habs should have done this earlier.

marvin greene

PK, 24 June, 2014

Could be worse, could have this kind of sportsman on our Habs.
Auditioning as a zombie spare on The Walking Dead!

On a post below, Maritime Ronn questioned the ‘outrage’ over RDS being blacked out west of Ottawa, noting that he wants numbers to support our position. Well, here’s my scenario in Southern Ontario:

If I have to buy NHL Cente Ice (to cover the RDS ‘regional’ games), plus subscribe to TVA to get their Saturday national games, my cost to get all 82 games of the regular season will go up 417% over what I paid for last season. So yeah, I’m a little mad.

It’s a good thing the Canadiens organization doesn’t subscribe to this theory, because if they had,they might have cancelled Boom Boom Geoffrion’s sweater number retirement ceremony on the day he passed away.

nope..I am not 100% how it works because my brother in law installed it but its a hub..that allows you to access movies, TV shows, and live sports..through a thing called sports devil..it takes a bit of work to install it and get it running but once you do it works like a charm..thats how I watched the last game when I was in NJ
here is the link..we used you tube on my ipad to do the step by step install and set up on my laptop..good luck

Add in no guarantee the Centre Ice games are in HD and gets even better.

Hey Gary Bettman thanks for everything!

HabinBurlington, 24 June, 2014

Number apparently still hanging from rafters, thought forsure it would be down by now!

Kooch7800, 24 June, 2014

I run it on an Android box on my TV. I love it for movies and TV. The live sports I find it hard to get an hd stream.

A lot of friends are getting rid cable and just running xbmc on android boxes or apple tv.

People sell the boxes already programmed for around 150. You can also get the boxes on ebay for around 80 or 90 and program it yourself. The local guys who do it here where I am offer tech support etc if something goes wrong

HabinBurlington, 24 June, 2014

Okay I get that Suarez is a petulant little prick, but his bite while brutal (and he should be thrown out of remaining world cup) was not as bad as the bad call Ivory Coast got shafted on.

Yet every sports show is only concerned about the chipmunk like bites on Chialini’s shoulder.

Ivory Coast was jobbed!

Dunboyne Mike, 24 June, 2014

Dipsy.
“They are both hockey players.” (100s of posts ago).
Gem.

habcertain, 24 June, 2014

Center ice gets you all the Habs games

habcertain, 24 June, 2014

Had the package last year didn’t see many games that we’re not in HD they have rectified that problem

Mavid ®, 24 June, 2014

I wish I understood how it works better installing it was a bit of work, but its fantastic..you can have more add on’s and even have live cable but I have not figure any of that out yet. I have it on my mac..I would love to get it on my apple TV once I understand it better..

I would also bet if you check kijiji there will be people who can put it on your apple TV. I think the only apple TV you can’t yet is 3

Mavid ®, 24 June, 2014

yes fusion is what I have..I am not sure how to install the mash up ..I find it a tad confusing..but I hear its a good one too

Weed Wacker Grandma Smurf

Bob_Sacamano, 24 June, 2014

Really, was it brutal? It was childish, stupid and embarrassing but the incident itself was harmless at the same time. An elbow to the head, a tackle where you can break someone´s leg or something like Fred´s ridiculous dive against Croatia are much worse in my point of view. I think Chiellini will survive.

I guess I have to watch the call against Ivory Coast again.

UKRAINIANhab, 24 June, 2014

Absolutely.

Ivory Coast is also a great team with Gervinho, Toure x2, and Drogba… Now this call is going to overshadowed by Suarez’s bite. Also Italy’s disgusting diving will also be overshadowed !

It is about time FIFA gets these penalty’s called better. Thats about 3 penalty calls that have been blatantly awful calls!

UKRAINIANhab, 24 June, 2014

It was Bad.

Costed Ivory Coast from going through.

They also could have made some noise in the knockout rounds while Greece will fold quickly

The Suarez incident was also not the reason Italy lost…don’t let Italy fans tell you otherwise

HabinBurlington, 24 June, 2014

I don’t know how biting a player isn’t brutal. I am not trying to be dismissive of his terrible actions, but the call in the Greece / Ivory Coast game essentially decided which country advanced.

Habitant in Surrey, 24 June, 2014

…a comment exchange at the bottom of the Steve Simmonds story on Ho-sang;

‘Mike Hunt: “Racism exist in hockey ?, no way.. that can’t be?!?!”

sobit: “oh yes it does, look at the way some people vilify Don Cherry?” ‘

Sportfan, 24 June, 2014

How cool would it be if we drafted Claude Lemieux son! Think he would fit our club?

I think Montreal needs to take Joshua Ho-Sang, too skilled not to, he will learn to play with others!

SC-1993, 24 June, 2014

near the end of August we should know how the Habs look going into training camp…

Mavid ®, 24 June, 2014

thanks for the link on mashup I may give it a whirl..

Weed Wacker Grandma Smurf

habcertain, 24 June, 2014

Agreed, I guess you have look at the upside that you will get every NHL game, not cheap but living in the US, was my only reliable game, also get the games on iPads etc.

Loonie, 24 June, 2014

Yep. Chances are very good that in August we’ll have a good idea of how the team will look in the couple of weeks that follow the month of August ending.

Good point.

frontenac1, 24 June, 2014

Me and the Lads at the Saloon decided today they should cancel that stupid soccer tournament and put some real sports back on.

SC-1993, 24 June, 2014

Just thought I would let people know most are expecting to know next week didn’t want to disappoint them.

CJ, 24 June, 2014

I’ve been harsh of Bergevin at times, but, IMO, he deserved to be GM of the year. I really shouldn’t care as half the writers who vote for these awards have zero clue outside of their respective market, but, really, Bob Murray?

Thurston, 24 June, 2014

No.

Frank2468, 24 June, 2014

Well if Suarez got a red card for his childish play just like Marchisio got a red card then it’s 10 on 10 and the out come would probably be different. I find it interesting that in the group stage Italy, Spain and England are gone and the only remaining European teams left that can challenge for the cup are Germany and France smells kind of fishy. And after all like most TV sport analyst are saying if Brazil doesn’t win the cup the people in Brazil will probably riot. So it seems to be setting up nicely for Brazil to coast to a cup win. Beautiful game my A** more like beautiful FIFA corruption. I’m sick of soccer period with all the B.S maybe all the jobbing of other teams will slow down when FIFA comes in to the 21 century with technology. No official in any sport should have that much power over teams. Video review should be allowed on important matters like an off side which results in a goal or whether called or not and B.S that players do on the field. This way it cuts down on things like the hand of god goal and so on. I can’t believe how much goes on and FIFA lets it go knowing the technology that’s available is actually laughable.

Mavid ®, 24 June, 2014

pretty disapponted

Weed Wacker Grandma Smurf

Habitant in Surrey, 24 June, 2014

Almost 500 that signed Our on-line petition for Roger’s.

I really would like to make it to 1000, …hopefully for tonight or by tomorrow morning.

If Y’all can roust some of Your family members, friends, and acquaintances where You live or in other parts of Canada and the US (in fact, Africa, Europe, or Asia) whom are Habs Fans and are so far yet clueless on the petition, please give them a heads up.

500 I think is a pretty nice number from a single Fan site in less than 18 hours, don’t You think ?

It means there is true concern and resentment to what has transpired, specifically for Montreal Canadiens Fans as a result of Roger’s control of broadcasting rights beginning this coming season.

Some say Roger’s bought the rights and they can do as they please.

I, and others not so gullible, say hogwash !

The Montreal Canadiens is not just a ‘hockey franchise’ like any other, it is a national insitution important to folks from Whitehorse in the Yukon to Conception Bay Newfoundland.

The Habs represent also the largest most-diverse hockey Fan-base in Canada, coast to coast to coast. To say Roger’s can’t make a financially feasible product of a Habs’ Channel, or have a cooperative partnership with TVA and Bell’s affiliates, TSN & RDS is bunk.

It is something if We do not show Our frustration and rejection of, Roger’s indeed will do as they please.

Do not underestimate the power of bad press, lost business and incensed Habs’ Fans I say.

It’s of cultural importance to Francophones across Canada, not only in Quebec, Eastern Ontario, and the Maritimes. With enough vituperation this has also the potential to become a cultural and political issue.

So, let’s keep pounding away at Roger’s, and not let-up until there is an affordable product for all income-groups of Habs Fans across Canada to watch Their treasured Team play it’s full schedule in a way that is not convoluted and expensive for everyone.

It may not happen over-night, it may be deathly resisted by the cone-heads at Roger’s in Toronto. But, let’s not waver until Roger’s has created a simili of an affordable Habs Channel for all Montreal Canadiens games available across Canada, preferably with options of hearing the game either in French or English.

I’m sure if Roger’s marketed that the right way, that will be a win-win for both Rogers and Our Fans.

Phone Roger’s, …calmly advise them You are switching Your business to X, Y or Z.

When they ask You why, calmly tell them why, …it is because You are a Montreal Canadiens’ Fan

…I think they will add 2 + 2 together

Habitant in Surrey, 24 June, 2014

…’Together’ We are strong Derek

Habitant in Surrey, 24 June, 2014

The most recent 9 of 520 to support Our petition;

Maurice A. Blacklock

Ali Burtlap

Angela Simpson

Brian Long

Frank Brady

Serena Cubbie

Shaune F. Rice

George ?

Owen Cusitar, Canada

Sincere thanks to Y’all …and the 510 that voted Your support before You

Keep the support coming Guyz and Dollz

RC-51, 24 June, 2014

Very well said Christopher. Appreciate the help and support! “together” we ARE stronger 550 signatures so far and counting…
550 in 24 hrs = WOW
Protest Rogers blacking out HABS GAMES ON RDS west of Quebec

To quote Mr Stubbs via Twitter:
“Just had a chat with RDS VP Dominic Vannelli to clarify RDS #Habs telecasts in Canada during Rogers NHL contract. Please follow along:If you live west of Ottawa, at a geographical line not yet precisely known, your RDS feed will be blacked out during #Habs games…If sufficient fan pressure is brought to bear on NHL and/or Rogers to change this regulation re RDS blackout, that *might* change…But RDS VP Vannelli tells me that as of now, those so geographically placed will get alternate programming or a blackout notice on RDS…This story might or might not evolve in weeks to come. But for now, #Habs fans west of Ottawa have lost games on RDS”

I may be the ‘Paul Revere’ that got on My horse, and it was My initiative to get this ball rolling, but it’s Dean Oliveira (RC-51) that found iPetition, registered it, and provided My Horse for this ride

Thank You Dean for being the Guy to find iPetition …We would not have got this far without You stepping-up

RC-51, 24 June, 2014

Thanks but you guys who have signed and that have spread the word are the ones doing the ‘grunt’ work. Thank You!
All I did was get the ball rolling, you are the ones kicking!!

The one limitation Dean of iPetition is it can only show the names of the last 10 of the 550 that signed. It would be good if the app could give a read-out of all names so we can copy and send to Scott Moore, Keith Pelley, the CRTC, the press, etc..

Habitant in Surrey, 24 June, 2014

Are there French-speaking HIO members or readers that can post the below petition link in french-language habs’ sites and blogs ?